selenium toned silver gelatin print mounted on museum board and dibondThe approach
Description
Human-crafted. AI-refined.
This powerful black and white photograph captures the dramatic landscape of a rugged, rocky cliff face. The stark contrast between the light and dark areas, as well as the sharp, angular shapes, create a sense of depth and texture. The prominent feature is a large, gaping cavern or opening in the side of the cliff, with cascading water flowing out of it, forming a striking waterfall against the stark background. The overall composition and use of chiaroscuro lighting evokes a sense of the sublime and the awe-inspiring power of nature. This work likely reflects the photographer's intent to showcase the grandeur and untamed beauty of the natural environment. ...
Lisa Oppenheim's work is heavily inspired by research, particularly in the history of photography. Oppenheim utilizes various research methods, such as exploring photographic archives, libraries, collections, and online resources as starting points for her layered and sometimes starkly abstract work. Through delving into documentary archives, investigating the neglected outtakes of renowned photographers that were removed from the historical record for various reasons, Oppenheim collects and resurrects them in her imagery. These obscure finds and missing links also have technical parallels in her work. Oppenheim's images often feature fragments and experiment with exposure, suggesting the nuances of what is visible and invisible, revealed and concealed by the camera's mechanics. Her multifaceted work encapsulates photography's most intricate function: the ability to remain entirely silent while appearing to describe the world in infinite detail. ...
The Approach is co-directed by Jake Miller and Emma Robertson. Located in Bethnal Green above The Approach Tavern, for over twenty years it has operated an internationally recognised programme from its East London base. The gallery is known for discovering artists and establishing their careers as well as making inter-generational curated group shows a strong focus. The list of represented artists includes the Estates of important overlooked female artists Heidi Bucher and Maria Pinińska Bereś, as well as seminal British collage artist John Stezaker, together with established and emerging artists including Magali Reus, Peter Davies, Lisa Oppenheim, Sandra Mujinga, Pam Evelyn, Sara Cwynar, Sam Windett and Caitlin Keogh. Over the years the gallery has operated parallel programmes in additional gallery spaces in London’s West End (The Approach W1) and in Shoreditch (The Reliance). The gallery is currently based solely in its original East End location and continues to expand its programme, showcasing its represented artists in the main gallery space, and both represented and non-represented artists in The Annexe, a smaller, more experimental space at the back of the building. ...
