We are very proud to bring you a new exhibition by Ornin Ruangwattanasuk! The exhibition is called “Myanmar, in a period of transition”. Great photography is often said to be less to do with the camera and more to do with the photographer. What this means exactly has been the subject of much debate over the years. One version which certainly carries some weight is that it means that to obtain a great photograph one must have the ability to immerse oneself in the environment of one’s subject, move past superficiality and connect on a deep level. Not everyone has this skill and many subscribe to the “Google street car” mentality, which is drive by shooting, literally. This type of photography can work in limited cases but for places such as Myanmar, a empathetic, considerate, patient and brave approach is required and this is where Ornin Ruangwattanasuk really shines. The exhibition is shot on film. In some ways this seems appropriate for a country that, while in transition, is still very firmly entrenched in a bygone era. The photographs show a country full of challenges but also a people with great hope. These contrasts are evident from photograph to photograph. For example, one picture captures a fleeting moment Ornin past the workers along the riverbank while another shows young children diving and swimming without a care in the world. The photograph of oxen (that pull the carts shown in some of the other photographs) on a beach with the towers of ornate buildings barely visible in the distance is particular powerful and curious. A prevalent theme is movement, transport and distance. Often the photographs are taken on the move with scarcely time to focus. This would not be deliberate but a product of the environment. To exist and survive in Myanmar one has to traverse many miles, every day. The photographs show this in that we witness the inland dust as well as the coolness of the sea. These days, with the world getting smaller and smaller, such photographs (and photographers) are increasingly rare. We congratulate Ornin on her tenacity and courage. A real coup for us to get this work shown in London. To see the work, click here: stephenbartelsgallery/blog/ornin-ruangwattanasuk-photography.html To purchase images, click here: stephenbartelsgalleryprints/index.php?photographer=125
Posted on: Sun, 11 May 2014 19:45:57 +0000
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