Exhibit shows off colors of spring

by Alejandra Molina
Assistant Editor

Concurrent exhibitions by photographers Brian Forrest and Nancy Monk are being showcased in Harris Gallery until May 3. In their unique photographs, color plays a great importance in reflecting the purpose of their work.

Forrest displays a series of black and white pictures taken in the high desert regions of Southern California, primarily the Mojave Desert.

The black and white of the pictures helps capture the effect the sun has on different objects in the desert. Shadows are clearly shown due to the grayness of the pictures.

"The photographs are very interesting to see; the stillness of the desert is clearly shown in these pictures," said Jackie Garcia, freshman.

The purpose of Forrest's photographs are to capture the audience's attention by making them aware of the small marks and shapes left by natural forces and human presence. The photograph, "Tumbleweed on Fence," shows how a simple breeze blows away the tumbleweeds. The movement of the tumbleweed captures the stillness of the desert because there is not much action there. The work of Forrest is more of a record of landscape, largely empty and no longer pristine.

"Forrest's photographs are spare, yet complex in what they present. His desert scenes are stark and empty, yet reveal subtle evidence of human intrusion," said Ruth Trotterr, Chair of Arts Department."I think this is what he is after. A sense of emptiness that is left after some kind of event,"Nancy Monk's collection, "Assorted Spring", is different than Forrest's work in that it contains bright colors and has a much more lively tone. In her work, Monk includes portraits, gardeners, flowers and bambi/rabbits. In the painted photographs, "Spring" is represented by the colors, yellow, green, and pink.

The painted photographs depict the reality that is, and the paint above the photograph portrays the reality of the artist's perception. This collection of painted photographs has been composed this spring and in springs past.

The painted photograph, "Ken and Troll" captures the two realities. The human which is Ken is the reality that is, and the troll above him is the reality of Monk's perception.

Her works are printed on linen or paper and are mounted in frames or aluminum.