Herero Woman in Yellow Dress, 2012 © Jim Naughten/Courtesy of Klompching Gallery, New York City

With his second solo exhibit with the gallery, London-based photographer Jim Naughten presents a series of portraits of the Herero people of Namibia. The opening reception for the exhibition, “Conflict and Costume”, will be Thursday, March 14, 6–8pm at Klompching Gallery, in New York City. A book signing for Naughten’s newly released photo book, “Conflict and Costume” (Merrell, 2013) will take place at the gallery, Saturday, March 16, 1–2pm. The exhibit will be on view through May 4th.

In the case of the Hereros, it is the adoption of 19th Century European clothing, originally introduced to the Herero people by German missionaries, traders and immigrants during the time of Deutsch-Südwestafrika. Taken out of the context of the subjects’ everyday lives, the portraits are photographed against the stark backdrop of the Namib Desert. Each figure is isolated, bringing forth the vivid colors of voluminous petticoated gowns, cattle-horn-shaped headdresses and colorful military uniforms, to center stage in a spectacular fashion. The unusual vantage point presents the subjects—although anonymous—as empowered, stoic and regal.

—Courtesy of Klompching Gallery, New York City

In her first exhibit with the Daniel Cooney Fine Art gallery in New York City, Brea Souders presents “Film Electric.” The exhibit will be on view through March 2.

Composed from discarded film, static electricity and strong light, the photographs are tapestries of the artist’s personal history. They contain slices of forgotten adventures, portraits of loved ones and strangers, untold experiments and family vacations, as well as shards of unrecognizable shapes and empty spaces–memories alongside their absence. Together, the charged fragments merge in energy and light to create a different, new, and compelling narrative.

—Courtesy of Daniel Cooney Fine Art, NYC

Untitled (Film Noir #1431), 2011 © Bill Armstrong/Courtesy of ClampArt, NYC

With his fourth exhibit with the gallery, Bill Armstrong presents “Film Noir.” The opening reception for “Film Noir” will be Thursday, February 21, 2013, 6–8pm at ClampArt in New York City, the exhibit will be on view until April 6th.

“Film Noir” is new work from the artist’s “Infinity” series, a vast ongoing project that he has been developing for more than 15 years. “Film Noir” revisits the themes of the classic black-and-white films of the 1940s and ’50s, but with the lush, saturated colors for which Armstrong is now well known. Solitary figures contemplating the unknown reference the ethical and philosophical dilemmas laid bare in those stories. Armstrong’s dark, mysterious images remain unresolved, however, hinting at the increased uncertainties of the contemporary viewpoint.

—Courtesy of ClampArt, New York City

Explorer, 2011 © Cara Barer/Courtesy of Klompching Gallery, New York City.

Houston-based photographer Cara Barer photographs outdated, abandoned and obsolete books and magazines—but only after transforming them into sculptural objects of beauty. Coiled and crumpled, they segue into a considered commentary on the changing role of libraries, society’s relationship with how it accesses and values knowledge and, in a technologically advanced world, her work questions the future of the book itself. Additional photographs by Cara Barer can be seen and puchased as part of Klompching Gallery‘s Print Room in New York City.

(more…)

From Tulipa—Garden of Earthly Delights  © John Blakemore/Courtesy of Klompching Gallery, New York City

British photographer and master printer John Blakemore will be showing a selection of key vintage and modern silver gelatin prints in his retrospective solo exhibition at Klompching Gallery which opens on November 7th. A reception for the artist is on Thursday, November 15th, 6–8pm, the exhibit will be on view through December 22nd.