Images From the Mind Many moons ago in RL, I took up photography as a hobby. At the time I was based in Cyprus and joined the photo club. Amenities were free to use, including all the film, paper, developing equipment etc . I decided on focusing (no pun intended) on black & white photography, easier to develop. I found that, because the images were in b&w, the viewer was able to concentrate on the subject itself, rather than be 'distracted' by the backdrop or surroundings within the picture.
Henri Gontineac
, a Dutch photographer has managed to create images that are both thought provoking and startling in composition. I discovered his work on a re-visit to the DEPOT gallery and was amazed at the emotions that I felt as I viewed his images. They say that a picture paints a thousand words, these do more! Each photograph seems to create a whole novel on the content. A simple image of a child's fingers through a letter box conjured up a strange, confused thought process. Is it a child checking on who the visitor is before opening the door, or is it a child seeking help?One image in particular brought out a severe case of the shivers in me. In itself, it is not anything to be scared of, but when I saw it, I felt a cold shiver run up my spine. I will leave the reader to decide which photograph it was.
Violetta LeShelle, curator, explained to me that Henri tries not to title his work, instead leaving the viewer to decide on how they see the image and what it should be called.
Simple, yet very thought provoking, this is a 'must see' for anyone into photographic imagery.
Oh, and if anyone can guess correctly which photograph gave me the 'shivers', I will send them a Madonna Limited Edition Charity T-shirt (worth L$200). Offer extends to the first five correct entries received !!
(submissions should be emailed to
barondesantis@gmail.com, subject SHIVERS and NOT the SL Newspaper office or staff)
Verdict: 10/10
Story by : Baron DeSantis
