Arts, Etc.Fine Art

Showcasing the different sides of nature

ULV graduate Isela Peña, left, and senior journalism major Alisha Rosas view "Kumbi Yuh Lha & Thyangboche Monastery," a photo from the "Natural Architectures" gallery, the newest exhibit to open at the Irene Carlson Photo Gallery in Miller Hall. The gallery features various shots of nature from around the world and runs through Dec. 14. / photo by Juan Garcia
ULV graduate Isela Peña, left, and senior journalism major Alisha Rosas view “Kumbi Yuh Lha & Thyangboche Monastery,” a photo from the “Natural Architectures” gallery, the newest exhibit to open at the Irene Carlson Photo Gallery in Miller Hall. The gallery features various shots of nature from around the world and runs through Dec. 14. / photo by Juan Garcia

by Tim Tevault
Arts & Entertainment Editor

“Natural Architechtures,” the newest exhibit to arrive at the Irene Carlson Photography Gallery in Miller Hall, is full of shots of nature to visually stimulate. Photographed by artist Phil Bard, the exhibit features pictures of nature at its finest.

And while the exhibit features some amazing pictures, it just can’t quite make it over the hill of excellence.

For instance, there are some shots of breathtaking thundercloud formations and rolling hills which are real eye-pleasers, but right next to those shots are random photos of plain, boring trees.

To the average Joe who doesn’t view photo galleries all the time, these types of pictures can seem boring.

It is a shame because even though the pictures are not visually stimulating, they are crystal clear.

Bard, in a statement posted at the gallery, said he used carbon particles instead of dyes to print the pictures. Five shades of gray plus black were used to produce smooth, dotless tonalities.

Even though clarity is a key factor to good pictures, it doesn’t make the photo in and of itself; the actual image is also very important. You can have a crisp, clear image that doesn’t really appeal to the viewer, or you can have a crisp, clear image that can really take your breath away.

In many of his photos, Bard succeeds at the latter.

With “Hikers at Delicate Arch,” arguably one of the most creative pictures in the gallery, an ominous dark sky looms overhead as white clouds create the perfect backdrop to a slew of tourists checking out the canyon-like hill. The tourists are the size of ants, creating a dramatic contrast in size.

Another shot showing Mother Nature’s power and size is “Thunderstorm Over Jemez Mountains.”

Enormous storm clouds tower over the miniscule town, throwing our perceptions of the size of clouds down the drain.

Another memorable photos is “Death Valley Sand Dunes,” which depicts the smooth sand dunes reminiscent of deserts in the Sahara.

However, bringing viewers back to reality and showing them that this shot was actually taken in California is the fact that mountains are visible in a dusty background.

Also great is “Kumbi Yuh Lha & Thyangboche Monastery,” taken in Nepal.

The picture, which showcases a huge mountain in the background, is oversized for a reason.

The mountain’s essence and size are captured perfectly, especially with the crystal-clarity of the printer.

All things considered, “Natural Architectures” is a good exhibit.

Its only drawback are the boring pictures that plague half of the exhibit. It is a good thing, though, that there are some good pictures to pick up the slack.

“Natural Architechtures” runs through Dec. 14 at the Irene Carlson Photography Gallery in Miller Hall. Admission is free. For more information, call ext. 4285.

Tim Tevault
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Juan Garcia
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