Mystification, Marco Hill, Yawn Jawn, digital print, Jed Williams Gallery
Mystification
A Deeper Look Into the Art of Rebecca Nurick and Marco Hill
Written and photographed by Laura Storck
As a cult practitioner and follower monochromatic image makers, let’s just say I was a little more than excited (okay, I was ecstatic!) to see the exhibit, A Deeper Look Into the Art of Rebecca Nurick and Marco Hill at the Jed Williams Gallery on February 28th. In addition to the opening reception held 2 weeks prior, this reception offered a variety of additional smaller prints not shown in the exhibit at easily affordable prices for cash and carry.
Mystification, Marco Hill, Still Standing, digital print, Jed Williams Gallery
According to gallery owner and fine artist Jed Williams, “These unique photographs expand on the themes currently displayed by both photographers at the gallery. The images provide a deeper look into the artistic vision of Hill and Nurick.”
After I was welcomed into the cozy and inviting space by Rebecca Nurick, Marco Hill, and Jed Williams, immediately I could witness the similarities shared between both exhibits as my eye scanned across the gallery space. Besides making some interpretations of their respective visions in black and white, I learned that both Nurick and Hill are heavily influenced from their training in film capture and processing. One fitting example is Hill’s Into the Darkness, a black and white 35-mm film capture of an ascending stairwell that appears to rise toward the cavernous and shadowy unknown.
Mystification, Rebecca Nurick, Train, digital print, Jed Williams Gallery
Other similar pieces between both artists follow street themes, such as Hill’s 9th and Mifflin Sunset and Nurick’s Train. Not only do they offer a gritty urban vibe but they are portrayed in the fashion of Kodachrome color. Common themes exist – both artists offer feelings of emotional connection and timelessness, yet both also convey ephemerality and human transience in their story telling. A dynamic interplay can be seen as dotted lines are invisibly connected back and forth amongst their works.
Mystification, Rebecca Nurick, Viaduct, digital print, Jed Williams Gallery
Many of Marco Hill‘s street photographs were captured in South Philadelphia where he resides, with this series punctuated by Still Standing, an emotionally moving image of an abandoned log cabin that harkens back to Hill’s native Virginia roots. His sense of humor, quick wit, and sense of curiosity is evident in unusual and quirky captures such as Yawn Jawn, Brick Work, and Abandoned Door.
Mystification, Marco Hill, 9th and Mifflin Sunset, digital print, Jed Williams Gallery
Marco Hill’s artist statement
“I roam the streets of the city looking for things that are unusual or things that I think would ordinarily go unnoticed…I actually got started in art as a musician, but after I found a love for photography the camera replaced the guitar as my instrument of choice. I call my approach to photography playing the blues with a camera.”
One of Rebecca Nurick‘s special prints are quite powerful: a striking image of a fearless mythological sunflower standing heroically in the face of foreboding dark cumulus clouds – with the hint of a silver lining. Her portraitures range from the human form to animal skeletons, expressed monochromatically, printed digitally, but expressed with the look of silver gelatin. I was instantly struck at how Torso, with it’s coppery tinge and grainy cloak has the look and feel of a super sized tintype. Also striking is Viaduct, another moody and cataclysmic image that instantly transported me back in time to David Lynch‘s Eraserhood.
Mystification, Rebecca Nurick, Nude, digital print, Jed Williams Gallery
Rebecca Nurick’s artist statement
“I find myself gravitating to photography, as it allows me to capture an image that is interesting to me and alter it in a way that can give it a hyper-real quality while still maintaining its true nature. The elevation of the ordinary is thrilling to me. The creative post-production of a photo is as enjoyable to me as the act of capturing the original subject.”
Mystification, Rebecca Nurick, Clawfoot #2, digital print, Jed Williams Gallery
This exhibit consists of very well-crafted images that will appeal to fans of digital, film, and alternative processing techniques alike. Kudos to Jed Williams for this excellent pairing of photographers in one show, as both artists’ works play off each other and form a dialogue. Mystification is on display through March 15, 2015.
Mystification, Rebecca Nurick, Skull #2, digital print, Jed Williams Gallery
Mystification, Rebecca Nurick explains her art process, Jed Williams Gallery
ABOUT JED WILLIAMS GALLERY
Jed Williams Gallery is a unique art space owned and operated since 2010 by artist Jed Williams. Jed showcases up-and-coming and inspiring artists from the local area, including his own work, along with providing a look into the workings of an actual artist studio. The gallery shows a variety of thoughtful, cutting edge works ranging from 2D, mixed media and painting, to video, installation and sculpture.
Mystification, Jed Williams Gallery
Marco Hill Photography
Rebecca Nurick Photography
Jed Williams Gallery
615 Bainbridge St., Philadelphia, PA 19147 (267) 970-5509
Jed Williams Gallery, Mystification, A Deeper Look Into the Art of Rebecca Nurick and Marco Hill, by Laura Storck
Written and photographed by Laura Storck
Instagram: http://instagram.com/laurastorck/
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Twitter: @Laura_Storck
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