THE LENS, THE PEN AND THE MIRROR
Salt Spring photographers and writers interpret
a biblical metaphor for the human condition. The central challenge of the show is to see if photographers and writers,
working in radically different mediums can bring fresh meaning to this most
ancient conundrum.
The idea is drawn from the verse, "For now we see through a glass, darkly,
but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as
also I am known." First Corinthians 13:12
For scholars, "glass"
presumably means "mirror". The verse is about the idea of the imperfection
of human perception, and dangles the further metaphor of reversal of
perception in the mirror. It was anticipated by Plato whose idea of human
consciousness was of men tethered in a cave, seeing only the shadows of real
events.
"Salt Spring professional photographers have been exhibiting their work in
group shows at ArtSpring for many years," says David Borrowman, spokesman
for the photographers. "When we decided that this Spring's show would be
centred on a theme, it suddenly opened the possibility of putting visual art
next to writing, to see the similarities and differences of the two media."
ArtSpring Executive Director George Sipos agrees: "Writing and photography
seem at first to be such different activities, and yet language itself is a
lens through which we see our lives. Like the camera, it both clarifies and
distorts the world. This joint exhibition will be a unique opportunity to
see the two art forms side by side."
The photographers have been working since last summer to compile images that
are related in one way or another to the theme from Corinthians. For the
writing, a call for submissions went out to writers on Salt Spring in
January. The thirty-seven entries were adjudicated by Carla Funk, the poet
laureate of Victoria and creative writing professor at UVic. She chose
fifteen pieces of writing from twelve authors for the show.
Through a Glass Darkly opened on Sunday, March 16 and several of the writers read their work during the reception. The show will be open every day 10 - 5 and Easter weekend 11 - 5 and Saturday evening, March 22.
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