Saturday at Rockport Art Association

Natura Naturans Meets Natura Digitalis
(Photography Exhibition)

Opening Reception – Sunday, October 4th, 2:00-4:00 PM
Rockport Art Association, 12 Main Street, Rockport MA 01966

This exhibition is a 2-person show of works by photographers Joe Reardon and digital artist Otto Laske which presents two different, but complementary, interpretations of Nature: what our eye sees more or less directly and what the mind imagines. These two interpretations are inter-related since the eye also imagines just as the mind sees.

In both artists’ work, the photographic or algorithmic capturing of nature produces endless varieties of fauna that turn into imaginary ones, and appear simultaneously as real and allegorical. While Reardon’s shapes represent real objects, their exquisite precision instantly turns them into allegories. While Laske’s shapes often have the energy of drawings, they are close enough to natural phenomena to evoke energies we sense in observing natural growth.

The show uses digital technology in the broadest sense in a way adapted to each artist’s predilections. It expands the notion of Nature beyond what can be seen, close by or at a distance, into what can be viscerally felt and experienced even with eyes closed.

This small group show will be on view through October 18^th. The RAA is open Monday – Sunday and is free to the public.

The Rockport Art Association (RAA) is one of the oldest and most active art organizations in the country. The Association has a long and distinguished history that has spanned 94 years. Each year the RAA welcomes thousands of visitors from all over the world. The RAA continues to be one of Cape Ann’s most prominent cultural beacons. Since its founding, the Association has steadily increased in size and currently includes approximately 250 artist & photography members, and hundreds of contributing members. By promoting year-round programs of classes, lectures, demonstrations, exhibitions and community outreach, as well as an impressive museum collection, the RAA remains dedicated to its mission of making fine art appreciation accessible to all. rockportartassn.org/