Monochrome

“Black and white are the colors of photography. To me they symbolize the alternatives of hope and despair to which mankind is forever subjected.”
Robert Frank

There was a time when all photography was black and white. Before the late 1890s there were only a few pioneering individuals that were experimenting with colour photography. By the 1970’s colour photography had become mainstream and monochrome photography was increasingly seen to be used more for artistic reasons and has since evolved into a high art-form.

But there is something very special about black and white photography which allows us to look beyond the colours and strip the image down to the basics. In this way, we are able to better focus on the composition, the fine details, the tonal contrast, and the strong textures and shapes that will be recorded, adding depth and interest to the image.

Without the distraction of colour, black and white shots are perhaps better able to convey a sense of mood and atmosphere. The absence of colour can also lend a timeless quality to the images.

Some people believe that black and white photography can help to build a stronger emotional connection between the subject and the viewer, evoking more passion and drama than a colour photograph can. In this way, monochrome photography can be a powerful representation of the artistic spirit.

The photographers featured in this exhibition have utilised the many benefits offered by monochrome photography to produce a very strong, creative and touching set of images.

Participating Photographers

Alexandre Ananou, Neenad Arul, Alexandra-Flamina Boc, Stewart Bourne, Susan Brown, Richard Cherry, Ian Cook, Martin Cox, Nicola Davison-Reed, James Fell, Lynn Fotheringham, Patrica Gibson, David Gleave, Jeff Goodman, Andi Halil, Bob Hamilton, Sheila Haycox, Mike Hesp, Joerg Karrenbauer, Tony Lucas, Neil Malton, David Miller, Peter O’Shea, Henning Petersen, Yevhen Samuchenko, Jevgenijs Scolokovs, Alexei Stepanov, Philip Stokes, John Timbrell, David Turnbull & Edgaras Vaicikevicius.