‘Breath of Bamboo’ photograph exhibit now on display in museum
Reynolds is a 2007 Master of Fine Arts in Photography graduate of the University of Georgia. She chose to create a collection of photographs of bamboo for several reasons.
“I had been doing black and white work in the studio, and I needed a change. I noticed the bamboo on my drive home because it was green during the winter, so I decided to start working outdoors and shooting in color,” Reynolds said. “I was also drawn to bamboo as my subject because of my interest in Asian culture, especially Zen Buddhism. Bamboo is often the subject of art and poetry in Asian art, so it was a way for me to explore my interest in art and spirituality in nature, using bamboo as my guide. I later learned about the characteristics of bamboo that make it a great renewable resource, which only added to my interest in the work.”
The first photographs that Reynolds shot of bamboo were located in Athens, Ga., however her work expanded into several different areas. She said that her photographs were “taken along roads or in parking areas and vacant lots in Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina.”
Reynolds’ works are highly admired by many. Roughly 30 people came to view her work at a reception held in her honor on Thursday, April 2, at the GCSU Museum. People intently viewed and admired her work for its uniqueness and originality. One of these viewers was Associate Professor of Art, Cynthia Brinich-Langlois.
“I think the work is intelligent because it’s showing the same content (the bamboo) in so many different contexts, so there is variety among the photos and yet unification,” Brinich-Langlois said.
Sophomore Studio Art major Elizabeth Phelps enjoyed the exhibit as well.
“I think the angles and perspectives she used are inspiring, and if you stare at them long enough you feel like you’re in the picture,” Phelps said.
When looking at “Karma,” a photograph of five stems of bamboo, four stems straight and one stem crooked, Phelps commented, “‘Karma’ shows that nature is not perfect. It could be her (Reynolds) representing herself.”
There are many varieties of bamboo in each of Reynolds’ photographs. Each photograph is unique and has a different meaning.
“Bamboo exemplifies the awesome powers of destruction and regeneration in nature and is ultimately used in these photographs as a metaphor for our efforts to maintain balance within the natural cycles of life,” Reynolds said.
Instructor of Art at GCSU, Ernesto Gomez, had nothing but good things to say about Reynolds’ exhibit.
“It’s rare for me to see color and work that is calming and makes me stop and think. Brook’s work has always been suttle and beautiful out of all her work I have seen- and I’ve seen a lot,” Gomez said.
Reynolds’ photographs have been featured in the GCSU Museum since March 21, and will be there until May 10. For more information about this exhibit please call (478) 445-4371 or visit www.gcsu/library/museum.edu.
Posted by Colonnade Archives
on Apr 10 2009. Filed under Features.
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