Passing Through (Visualizing Sound):
a Solo exhibition by John Clarke
Passing Through presents a series of images exploring the visual overlap between light waves and sound waves, seeking to make sound visible.
John was the recipient of the Director’s Choice exhibition prize for the image above included in our 11th Annual International Juried exhibition. The award provided this opportunity to present more comprehensive and nuanced look at this body of work.
John’s solo exhibition will be presented in the Focus Gallery in tandem with On the Road with On The Road by Carl Moore.
Opening Reception: Thursday, October 15th 5:00 – 8:00pm
Exhibition: October 15th – November 13th
Presented in tandem with On the Road with On the Road by Carl Moore
Artist Statement: Passing Through (Visualizing Sound)
In this series, John Clarke’s works are inspired by the energy of the Massachusetts Turnpike, as expressed through light, motion blur photography, and the sounds of passing vehicles.
Clarke works to uncover the visual overlap between light waves and sound waves using long-exposure photographs taken from his moving vehicle. The results are a fascinating exploration of vibrational energy, energy captured in the moments of cars and trucks passing. Sometimes soothing, sometime frenetic, waves smudge and dance like an EKG report of the highway.
Biographical:
John Clarke has lived in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts since 2007. He was born in central Massachusetts around a landscape of mills, rivers, trains and bridges, which greatly inform his work. Clarke received his degree in classical music composition from Bates College in Maine.
Clarke merges a range of mediums that include paint, pastel, gesso, pencil, photography, writing and music. Melodious and articulate, Clarke’s work draws on his background as a classical composer. His lines and symbols are directed by music as they float and interact in the spaces of his images. One of his first bodies of work was inspired by a neoclassical piece of music, Alina, by the Estonian composer Arvo Part. His Alina series exemplifies his style and use of color, line, and shape. At the time, an article in Rural Intelligence called him a “multimedia abstract master.”
Website: theartofjohnclarke.com
Facebook: john.clarke
Opening Reception: October 15th 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Exhibition: Thursday, October 15th – November 13th, 2026
The Rhode Island Center for Photographic Arts, 118 N. Main St. Providence, RI
Located in the heart of Providence, RICPA was founded to inspire creative development and provide opportunities to engage with the community through exhibitions, education, publication, and mutual support.
RICPA exists to create a diverse and supportive community for individuals interested in learning or working in the Photographic Arts. We strive to provide an environment conducive to the free exchange of ideas in an open and cooperative space. Members should share a passion for creating, appreciating, or learning about all forms of photo-based media. We work to provide a platform for artistic expression, that fosters dialogue and drives innovation in the photographic arts.
The Gallery at the Rhode Island Center for Photographic Arts is a member of Gallery Night Providence https://www.gallerynight.org/
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