‘Stillness and Motion’ a photographic exhibition by Katherine Hamilton and a group exhibition ‘Making a Mark’ is currently on view at at Hamilton Gallery in Woodstock.
‘Stillness and Motion’
These are small scale to medium scale photographs on either archival paper or canvas , mostly unframed, to allow for affordability and ease of travel.
“On various trips and whilst travelling, I have observed figures and natural phenomena in their various states- ranging from the very still to the mobile. I enjoy attempting to capture the mood that the representation of these states evokes” explains Katherine Hamilton.
“Some of the photographs are abstract with merely a hint of what the original subject is in reality, while others are more literal and provide a clear reference to the subject photographed.
Splash – Landscape
I alter the original scene while taking the photo by using various shutter speeds and often creating ‘blurred’ effects by moving the camera or shifting the lens while the shutter is open. I do this to try to create an added element of mystery, mood or dynamism to an image – so that I can convey a sense of the surreal, sublime or nostalgic undercurrents that I feel when I encounter the scene I am photographing.
I hope that the viewer will be in some way impacted by the images – either visually , or emotionally. To me there is stillness within the motion shots I have taken, and vice versa – an energy within the still shots. This is a theme I would like to continue to explore and build upon.”
‘Making a Mark’
One of the skills taught or practices encouraged at art college is the art of ‘mark making’. Mark making is defined as the creation of a various lines, marks, dots, textures or patterns. These can extend to marks such as splats, splashes, blots, drops, scratches, sweeps of a brush, squishes from a sponge, scrapes by a sharp object… the options are endless.
Marks can be free, impulsive and loose, or they could be the opposite: tightly controlled, meticulously planned, systematically applied – neat and deliberate. Either way, mark making is an effective form of expression. It is thought to play an important role in early childhood development, supporting and improving fine motor skills, allowing self-expression, as well as providing an enriching creative outlet.
Other forms of mark making include techniques such as scribbling, dabbing, pouring, cross-hatching, and more. It can be done on any surface with any art material the artist chooses for their own desired form of expression. It can be applied to both abstract and representational artworks, in various media, to aid in the expression of an idea, theme or a personal style.
Julian-Mazery, Untitled , mixed media collages
Essentially mark-making forms the foundation for artistic expression, allowing for experimentation, exploration and communication. It is a visual language which connects the artists inner world to the outer world and allows the viewer to ‘read’ and interact with an artwork.
Two good reasons to head out to the Old Biscuit Mill!
WHAT: ‘Stillness and Motion’ & ‘Making a Mark’
WHERE: Hamilton Gallery, A204, Old Biscuit Mill, 375 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town
WHEN: Tuesday ,Thursday; Saturday, Sunday 10 – 2pm .
INFO: T +27 (0)71 888 9366 | E Katherine@hamiltongallery.co.za | VISIT LEAD PHOTO: Katherine Hamilton, Stands at Sea
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