Pinhole Photography by Candelaria Atalaya Exhibit runs from Jan 12-Feb 23
ARTIST STATEMENT
I was a young photography student in my home country of Peru when I built my first Pinhole camera as one of the many school assignments, and long before I came to United States. For my very first picture, I placed the Pinhole camera on the school patio. The elements of the composition for the project were simple; a tree in the background as well as a couple of benches placed on the terracotta tiles under the afternoon light which became the subject matter. I uncovered the pinhole and the instantaneous exposure took place. But I was not prepared for the absolutely surprising outcome. The resulting image was an oneiric place where the light spectrum took on the properties of another dimension. The soft focus held together the composition showing a surrealistic imagery, and the diffused edges framed a startling image seemingly from a long gone unimaginable reality. The results were both mesmerizing and alluring despite the simplicity of the pinhole photographic process. In the following years, that first experience and image inspired me to use the pinhole camera not just to capture new images, but also to build and test new pinhole cameras suitable for the concept of the work I had in mind. The pinhole camera used in this project has a particular variation instead of one aperture; it has two in a vertical alignment that allows a double exposure. The resulting images are a blending of spaces and objects with a subtle transition, allowing the viewer to embrace them as a one familiar space. "If these walls could talk" is an old phrase referring to untold or hidden secrets impossible to reveal. I believe, contrary to this expression, when a photograph is the subject of contemplation there are countless stories waiting to be unveiled within the image. The project is based on my myriad memories from a long gone existence in Peru, places and objects mingling time and light souvenirs.
AGE GROUP: | All Ages |
EVENT TYPE: | Exhibits | Arts & Creativity |
The Sweet Branch is the sister branch of the Anderson-Foothill Branch using the same modular design. The branch contains over 8,000 square feet of service space, including a public meeting room that can be used for a variety of community gathering needs, from community council meetings to music performances to neighborhood celebrations. Free parking is available to the north of the building, and free wi-fi access is provided throughout the library.
