Stephanie’s Art Gallery cordially invites you to experience the exquisite exhibition
Botanica: The Art of Photography By Reenie Barrow
Showcasing from May 25th to June 29th 2024
Join us for the grand opening on Saturday, May 25th , from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., as we embark on a captivating journey
through the enchanting allure of nature, as captured by the lens of Reenie Barrow.
ARTIST’S STATEMENT
Reenie Barrow
My photographs represent my longstanding interest in documenting the details of daily life around the world. My career has led me on explorations from Havana to Hanoi. . The images I have made concern quiet places..places that soothe, places that inspire, places that give pleasure to the senses. In focusing my attention on specific objects, I am attempting to portray the ordinary as objects of inherent beauty worthy of scrutiny and contemplation. Five years of travel to Greek mountain villages culminated with the publication of my book, Wreath of Dreams: Visions of Greek Villages (Kastaniotis Editions).
Most recently my attention has been focused on making flower images as metaphors. My goal is to make my photographs work on two levels…visual and emotional…to make them visually compelling as well as serving as catalysts for the viewer to contemplate words, sensations, or memories.
I find I can most effectively allow each flower to tell its story by using a simple background and relying on the balance, symmetry, and interaction between the flowers to create its tale.
I am playing with the use of Latin to categorize botanical specimens by using Latin words to create a title for each of the stories unfolding behind the glass. An equally compelling reason for me to use Latin is a nod and tribute to my grandmother, Yester Samuelian, who as a student in Marzvan College in 1899, did a series of botanical pressings… all with their proper Latin names. They proudly grace the walls of my home today.
I have used Spanish for the Calla Lilly photographs because these were all done in Mexico and as a tribute to renowned Mexican artists who used Calla Lilies extensively in their photographs and paintings.
Other than my flower images, I use place as the title.
I have enjoyed exhibiting my images around the world, and one of the most fun aspects of doing this is getting to meet people in each country, whether over a cup of tea in their kitchens, or over a glass of wine at an opening. I am constantly so graciously received that I only hope I am giving something of value back to them.
