This solo exhibition in the Focus Gallery will present Dare alle Luce, by Ralph Mercer. In Italian, the title means “to give birth” however the literal translation of “Dare alle Luce”— is: “to give to the light”. The exhibition presents a selection from his series “Dialectics”, a comparison of the organic human figure with hard edged geometric abstractions. The dialogue of the two contrasting types of subject matter encourages contemplation of the figure and it’s contextual meaning as “humanity” relative to the technological environment. Dare alle Luce will be presented concurrently with Polaroid Possibilities by John Reuter
On view at the Rhode Island Center for Photographic Arts
Exhibition: Thursday, April 18 thru Friday May 10th, 2019
Open Reception: April 18, 2019, 5:00 – 9:00 p.m., part of Gallery Night Providence
Artist Statement:
The definition “to give birth” used in the exhibition title describes my motivation for exploring feminine imagery. “Our daughter’s first pregnancy, which I lovingly photographed, was the nascent creative endeavor which led to my visual exploration of the female body, it’s symbolic resonance with humanity’s procreative potential, and nature’s fecundity.”
Photography is an exploration for me, a quest to discover the beauty and archetypal implications of the female figure. Capturing the forms of the female body, revealed by a soft play of light is a meditative process for me, where I contemplate the sensual and conceptual dimensions of human potential. I sense an imaginary timeline from the ancient past, through the present, into possible unknown futures. This series, titled “Dialectics”, is a comparison of the organic human figure with hard edged geometric abstractions. The dialogue of the two contrasting types of subject matter encourages contemplation of the figure and it’s contextual meaning as “humanity” relative to the technological environment. I shoot with a digital camera and craft composite photographs on the computer. The post production process is where I discover relationships of form and concept leading to polished works with an abstract sensibility. The final images are printed on archival paper with archival inks. – Ralph Mercer
About: Ralph Mercer
Ralph Mercer, a New England native, is an alumnus of Rhode Island School of Design where he obtained a BFA in photography, studying with Harry Callahan and Bert Beaver. He received his MFA in visual design from the University of Massachusetts, where he studied with Dietmar Winkler and Elaine Fisher. Ralph maintains a studio in Norwood, MA, specializing in digital photography and photo-collage with an emphasis on the figurative and the landscape. His images are licensed worldwide.
Exhibition: Thursday, April 18th thru Friday, May 10th
Opening Reception: April 18, 5:00 – 9:00 p.m., part of Gallery Night Providence
On View: April 18 – May 10th, 2019
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