28/2/2002
Robert Davies
Rhodes + Mann, London
Material Light. Robert Davies explores the poetics of colour and light in his exquisite new photograms. In his first show of 'acrylics' he experiments endlessly with photographic technique. Using process, exposure and light he achieves an apparently effortless balance of density and hue that gives each work an innate harmony.
Material Light
Robert Davies explores the poetics of colour and light in his exquisite new
photograms. In his first show of 'acrylics' he experiments endlessly with
photographic technique. Using process, exposure and light he achieves an
apparently effortless balance of density and hue that gives each work an
innate harmony.
Davies' small intense works are non-representational and are without
narrative. Their immaculate colour relationships are arrived at through
intuition. Davies uses the transmitted light of an enlarger and photographic
printing chemistry to explore the complex difference between the colour of
refracted light and colour mixed on a palette.
Using different filtrations of transmitted light, degrees of time and
exposure, Davies is able to expose a single piece of photographic paper to
as many as five different hues and light intensities. The resulting prints
are then etched into acrylic blocks. This combination transforms each work
into a precious jewel-like object, which further develops the
prismatic and refractive effects inherent in the materials. Davies has
numbered the pieces rather than giving them descriptive titles, finding
language insufficient to define infinite colour variations.
Wed-Sat 11-6, Sun 12-6
Robert Davies' 'acrylics' will tour to Fotogalerie Alte Feuerwache, Mannheim
April/May 2002, Städtische Galerie, Waldkraiburg, June/July 2002 and ZKMA,
Berlin October 2003.
A full colour catalogue accompanies this exhibition, with an essay by Mark
Gisbourne.
Robert Davies has been exhibiting internationally since graduating from the
RCA Photography MA in 1993, with solo exhibitions in London, including The
Photographer's Gallery, Birmingham, Ireland, Brussels and Portugal.
Collections: Musée de l'Elysée (Lausanne) Merril Lynch, United Airlines,
The Economist, Cable & Wireless, Goldman Sachs.
Selected awards: Royal Photographic Society International Print Competition;
South Bank Photo Show.
Rhodes + Mann
37 Hackney Road
London
E2 7NX