[slideshow_deploy id=’17898′]
There has never been a more perfect time to plan a day to explore what downtown Oswego has to offer.
Enjoy a day in the splendid art exhibit, Imaging the Landscape, located on 186 W. First and Bridge St. This exhibit is full of inspiring local artwork, which stimulate emotion and deep thought.
The exhibit consists of numerous photographs that are natural, clear and subtle yet, each photo has its own unique dramatic elements that make it shine against the rest.
The gallery’s setting is quiet and contemplative which allows one to gawk at the grandeur of each photograph and pick out a few favorites from the collection.
One of the best pieces is titled “Contained Wildflowers” (on the right). The colors are muted so the focus is on the vase, which is centered.
The artist wanted the eye to notice the vase first because it seems out of place. A vase is usually the centerpiece of a table and is not typically found in the middle of random grassy terrains. Also, the words wild and contained are antonyms of each other. This photograph seems a bit satirical. It is as if the artist is poking fun at the way humans are living. We are supposed to be free creatures, yet manmade laws are constantly governing our actions and we are always enclosing ourselves indoors instead of being outdoors with nature. The flowers by nature are meant to be wild likewise, in our natural state we, as humans should not be tamed or restrained. The real question is, are we actually living?
The second best piece (to the left) is titled “A Present to The Future.” The colors in the picture are bold, especially the royal blue ribbon on the rock, which adds a lot of contrast. The photograph captures attention because it is so symmetrical and realistic that one can envision someone actually extending his or her arm and attempting to grab the rock.
The photograph represents the notion that human beings are moving farther and farther from nature and toward a virtual reality that our only gift to future generations would be the vague memory of simpler times when nature was valued. A memory where sticks and stones were the only methods of entertainment we had and the only tools of survival available. The title adds to the symbolism of the photograph. Another problem our generation encounters is that we rarely ever live in the present. We are always planning and preparing for the future instead of enjoying what is right in front of us like our friends, family and health. We simply need to return to modest living so that we can find delight in our lives instead of dreading it.
The exhibit, which contains a great deal of other refreshing eye-opening photographs, is going on until October 4th, so do yourselves a favor and catch it while you can.
