OFF THE WALL An Exhibition of Abstract Photography by Norman de Brackinghe Media Release: 21 November 2014 Exhibition Dates: Tuesday 9 - Wednesday 24 December 2014 Opening Reception: Tuesday 9 December, 6 - 8:30pm Venue: Picture This Gallery, Suite 1308, 9 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong Gallery Hours: Monday - Saturday 10am - 7pm (closed on Sunday and Public Holidays) Pokfulam, Hong Kong 2012 Kinman Island, Taiwan 2014 There are still people who argue that photography is not art but there is no question in my mind, it is. I feel I am more artist than photographer and I am very happy that the lines are blurred.
Transcript
OFF THE WALL An Exhibition of Abstract Photography by Norman de Brackinghe
Media Release: 21 November 2014
Exhibition Dates: Tuesday 9 - Wednesday 24 December 2014
Opening Reception: Tuesday 9 December, 6 - 8:30pm
Venue: Picture This Gallery, Suite 1308, 9 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong
Gallery Hours: Monday - Saturday 10am - 7pm (closed on Sunday and Public Holidays)
Pokfulam, Hong Kong 2012 Kinman Island, Taiwan 2014
There are still people who argue that photography is not art but there is no question in
my mind, it is. I feel I am more artist than photographer and I am very happy that the
lines are blurred.
Off the Wall is Norman de Brackinghe's latest collection of abstract expressionist photographs.
Celebrating his 80th Birthday this month and the 10th Anniversary of his first solo exhibition of abstract
photography has given de Brackinghe an opportunity to reflect on his photographic journey. Once more
finding inspiration in the unnoticed beauty of decaying and distressed walls, he enchants us this time with a
full spectrum of colours, from monochromatic moodiness to the dazzling intensity of his oranges, reds and
yellows. Where once he regarded his images as accidental artistic expression and a search for de Stael,
Rothko and Pollack in his distressed walls, today de Brackinghe seizes the initiative and focuses his camera
on creating his own compositions, his own style, his own interpretation of abstract expressionism. The
effect is more controlled and more considered, the outcome is captivating as de Brackinghe draws his
audience into his universe.
Lamma Island, Hong Kong 2008 Tai Koo Shing, Hong Kong 2011 Shanghai, China 2004
As a photograph is taken, fragments of memory and imagination appear to come together
in a moment of time. It is an instantaneous process, observed and perceived quickly
before moving on, with only time for a single shot. In that moment of capture I feel more
artist than photographer; the camera is just the vehicle. I try to adhere to my original
observation hardly ever cropping and making only nominal adjustments to align the image
as closely as possible to the original artefact. What I see is an amalgam of elements that
when fused together successfully result in a unique interpretation. It cannot be duplicated,
as the tension of the moment is unrepeatable.
Off the Wall is a partial retrospective, it is a look over the shoulder, it displays a clear evolution of style and
an understanding of the evolutionary process. Where de Brackinghe’s earlier abstract photographs were like
paintings, composed in homage to the great masters of 20th century abstract expressionist painting, in his
more recent works he is not searching for the masters, but seeing his own compositions in the walls he
explores. de Brackinghe has made the journey from presented images to composed images, this is borne of
a greater confidence and understanding. Now his own style has been released with full flourish, images are
composed, never accidental, and the de Brackinghe spirit is at the heart of his new exhibition.
Kinman Island, Taiwan 2014 Cambridge, England 2013
Cahors, France 2013 Sheung Wan, Hong Kong 2011
Almost unconsciously the photograph comes together as the shutter is clicked. There are
disappointments; the faux image that does not reflect my memory, compensated delightfully
by that single image which possesses the fire and the ice of the real moment. A history of
my art in a single photograph is an elusive dream perhaps.
Exhibition Details
The Opening Reception of Off the Wall will be held at Picture This Gallery – 13 /F, 9 Queen’s Road Central,
Hong Kong on Tuesday, 9 December 2014 with a cocktail reception from 6pm - 8:30pm. The photographer
will be present at the opening reception. The exhibition continues until Wednesday, 24 December 2014.
Requests for further information or for images which can be used for editorial purposes should be directed
to Picture This Gallery. For enquiries and media interviews, please contact Christopher Bailey or Vincci Fung
