| BRITISH COLUMBIA ARTISTS |
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An exhibition of great distinction by two Vancouver artist-photographers is now being
shown at the Art Gallery. Forbes Helem and Hugh Aikens present examples of their work which lifts the camera into a new field of expression. This is not photography in the ordinary sense. It is achievement in a form that parallels painting but never encroaches upon it. There is a separate and distinct approach which goes far beyond mere mechanical reproduction. A group of "photograms" by Forbes Helem, president of the Camera Art Club, is of absorbing interest. A photogram is a photograph made without a camera, by projecting light directly on to the sensitized paper. The form is created by breaking the light stream with opaque or translucent objects, using light as a plastic means of expression. A picture called "Calypso," done in what is called "high key," is the most delicate and sensitive treatment of the nude ever seen in photography by this writer. "Swan" is intriguing in form, texture, and tone as well as rythmic composition. "Mask" is a powerful piece of work with the strong lines and tones of diagonal pillar forms accentuating the sculpturesque immobility of the head. The tragedy of crushing toil is seen in the poignant "Day Off." Hugh Aikens, who expects to be in the army before the exhibition is over, is doing work of exceedingly high calibre. Many of the pictures he is showing have received awards at important salons in other countries. He is not content with simple pictorial records but invests his work with the nice discrimination and keen perception of the true artist. "Sky Relics" is a dynamic rendering of dramatic intensity in form and tone. "Sea Foam" displays faultless selective power and originality. "Coralled" is one of the most unusual pictures, being a perfect example of diagonal composition, full of movement and power, while it would be difficult to excel the feeling of rythmic action in the vigorous "Rythm (sic) Boys." "Barnyard Angles" and "Toiling Skiers" command attention by the stern simplicity of space and tone. Several industrial photographs are highly interpretive with strong tonal effects suggestive of the ower of the machinery, and the dignity of toil." Both exhibitors are showing portraits of distinction including two of themselves taken by each other. The exhibit has been tastefully arranged on a background of pale gold and blue with ample spacing which provides a perfect setting for a display which is far above the average in photographic art. |