Poetics of Light: Experiments in Photography
Curated by Mell Edwards
The way we see the world starts with light – the human eye turns it into images through a chemical process, and photography mirrors this transformation. Without light, there can be no photography – but within light, there is infinite possibility. While the mechanics of the eye remain constant, the art of photography offers endless possibilities of experimentation with light and process. Poetics of Light: Experiments in Photography celebrates artists who push the boundaries of traditional photographic methods, embracing creativity, innovation, and exploration within their practices.
This exhibition highlights the work of photographers who are ethnic minorities, 2SLGBTQ+, and disabled, each viewing the world through the unique lens of their lived experiences. Their experimental approaches challenge normative ideas of what photography can be, reimagining the medium in deeply personal and transformative ways. By playing with light, shadow, materials, and techniques, these artists create works that embody their perspectives and identities.
The works on display range from explorations of ghost photography and hidden histories to pieces that incorporate unconventional materials and processes, revealing the deeply intimate and conceptual nature of the artists’ practices. Experimentation extends into techniques such as film soup, cyanotype, and coding, where the chemical and digital manipulation of images becomes a means of storytelling. Through these methods the photographers invite the audience to engage with new ways of seeing. Their works do not simply document; they question, reframe, and push boundaries, exploring photography as a tool for self-expression and storytelling. The result is a powerful collection that offers fresh perspectives on the art form and the diverse experiences of the artists behind the lens.
Artists: Daisy Wu, Madelyn Gowler, Terrance Houle, Cat C. Haines, Brody McQueen, Misa Storkova, Herlinda Dalayoan, Hiroshi Jake Hamade, Christina Hajjar, Shan Pullan, Alex Gibson.
aceart Gallery
Co-Production with Flash Photo Festival
(Photos by Sarah Fuller)
