Review: Eight Solos Opening Thoughts

The members of the monochrome guild are united by the common craft of traditional silver based photography. Utilizing common materials, equipment and techniques the members of the group have branched out into various directions to explore their own personal vision. Though they often photograph together, and explore common subject matter, the purpose of this collection of work is to showcase the uniquely personal visual journey that each photographer has taken in the exploration of his own private theme.


The Eight Solos Fused By Silver showing at the McMullen Gallery until April 13 was a joy to visit. I found the work to be mostly of a high caliber and a distinct improvement over a show "Alberta" from the guild which was shown at the McMullen a few years ago.

Technically and emotionally the work was at a higher level, 2 members(members 4 and 6) who I found had performed poorly at the last exhibition contributed memorable photographs this time around.

I felt that member 3s work was especially outstanding, I loved several of his photographs, they were a joy to view and the highlight of the show for me. I thought that Kathmandu and Porters,Chusang were the best images I have seen on a gallery wall in quite a while.

Out of the 8 groups of photographic work shown, I thought 1 was outstanding, 5 were average to good, 2 were of poorer quality but held some promise.

I did feel that the group would benefit from more diversity in their subject matter. More varied photography from around the world is a bonus(saw some of that this show) and it would be compelling to include more humanity, the world is made of people but outside of 1 artist and 3 or 4 other photographs you would not know it by seeing this work. A human being is 100 times more compelling and important subject for a camera than any inanimate object can ever be.

Also something to note is that even thou this show dealt with solo work 6 out of 8 of the photographers work could easily have fit under the groups last theme of "Alberta". More varied subject matter and different styles of b/w silver based photography would only add to the groups strength, currently some of the work tends to blend.

The overall feel of the exhibit was pleasant and enjoyable, I will remember and think back to many of the prints I saw.