Poetry in (Captured) Motion
Photography, like any art form, is highly subjective and that makes reviewing an exhibition such as Kate Baker's La Poesia della Danza (The Poetry of Dance) quite difficult.
Baker's series of 18 black and white images, on display at the Harrison Galleries Paddington from 28 April to 17 May also features a multimedia installation integrating images from the exhibition, all of which feature Sydney dancer and choreographer Venettia Miller.
All photographs depict Miller dancing, in what Baker describes as a “spontaneous expression of the soul”, however this spontaneous expression means that only one of the shots is actually in focus. For the relatively untrained eye such as my own, I was left thinking that if the photos had been my own, I probably would have been unhappy with them for this reason.
Baker has said that she is drawn by the imperfection of film (she doesn't shoot on digital) so maybe this translates to the end result. All of the images have been given musical terms, and appear to be loosely translated into the dance captured.
Baker has also said that her aim through the photographs is for the viewer to feel something. And that they do - in my case, I have to admit it was confusion; but for others in attendance at the Opening Night, there was definite enrapture and admiration also being felt in the room.
La Poesia della Danza (The Poetry of Dance) opens to coincide with National Dance Week.
Wed-Sat 10am to 5pm - or by appointment.
Harrison Galleries 294 Glenmore Rd, Paddington 02 9380 7100 or info@harrisongalleries.com.au
