RAY CAROFANO I / TEN YEARS

 

 

    Landscapes             Young Apple Trees 2001           Photo- Toned GSP

 

 

 

RAY CAROFANO / TEN YEARS

Photographic Works from 1994-2004

 

"RAY CAROFANO / TEN YEARS - Photographic Works from 1994-2004" is featuring on month of April, 2004 at El Camino College Art Gallery. The show presents 3 different categories. They are “Faces of San Pedro”, “High Tension”, and “Landscapes.” It was 10 o’clock in the morning when I arrived there, both entrance doors are wide opened this time. I felt welcoming in.

The portrait, “Yellow Man” from “Faces of Pedro Series,” is displayed on the title wall. Almost glower looking eyes through the old man’s glasses are a mysterious cast of countenance that catches the audience’s eyes right away. The space in the right hand side of gallery displays 15 old looking small square pictures in a soft mellow cozy atmosphere which creates the mood that the old man reminisce of his oldies. The place of “High Tension #19” is the middle bridge part of “Yellow man” and the right space for his old memories. on order to developing this story smoothly, my recommendation is that “Transformation” should be placed in that wall. The contents in composition produce the deep three dimensional space in the misty environment in between the front big tree and indistinct other trees behind. It explains the idea that the yellow man travels through the misty path to reach his past memories.

The way to display 4 pictures, which are “Water Hyacinths”, “Young Apple Trees”, “The Two Trees” and “Six Black Ducks”, in deep left side corner, is well touched with great emotions. It makes audience to feel that they are in the middle of the peaceful nature where their eyes can draw a big contour along with 4 individual natures. It creates a whole new image that audiences can develop their unique stories. I like the contrast in between the intense landscapes and calm trees; it makes the audiences’ journey fulfilled with the energy from nature.

The displays of “Face of Pedro” are not strong enough to present what the artist tries to convey his content through each portrait. The artist, Ray Carofano, informed the audience on his lecture that all of Individual portrait from “Face of Pedro” has its own incredible story. Yet, the frames of each portrait did not match to imagine the behind story. They should be presented with thicker frames which can give the audience the room to extend their imagination unlimitedly. Also, each portrait needs more space in between. 

Overall, this exhibition organized well creating a unique atmosphere. The artist implies through the show that all living things evolve from the earth and return to the earth through his artworks and the display enhanced the gentle, yet powerful images spaciously among 3 different categories. It compels the audience to pause to bring their own interpretation. I sensed the tranquility in desolate kind of landscape, being in silent beauty.

 

 

 

 

 

 

S. Rhee

April, 2004