La Poesia Della Danza Exhibition

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Sat 28 Apr 2012 - Thu 17 May 2012

As part of Kate Baker's 'Creation' series, the Harrison Galleries in Paddington are currently showcasing a photography exhibit entitled La Poesia Della Danza (the poetry of dance).

Displaying 18 silver gelatin black-and-white photographs of Sydney dancer and choreographer Venettia Miller, the exhibition is running until 17 May. Photography and dance come together to form an art that conveys movement in a still moment captured on camera.



The photos were taken in 2010, depicting Miller's improvisation to silence and natural light. The images come across as raw and elicit an emotional response. For me it was something that felt very familiar and nostalgic due to my background in contemporary dance. I also like that the grey tones and grainy texture of these silver gelatin prints resemble paintings.

Contrapunto was probably my favourite piece. A red sticker next to the photograph shows that someone else felt the same way and snapped it up.



Kate Baker reveals that for her photography is about "connectedness". She continues, "A successful photograph can draw out character and essence – when successful this can speak volumes, without a word." I can appreciate her sentiments. I'd say the same about other artforms as well - especially dance.

Being a dancer myself, I felt quite inspired by the photographs. However, it's not for everyone. I took Miss D (who also has a dance background) along to the opening, and she didn't experience the same sense of connection or inspiration.

"My hope is that La Poesia della Danza will be a doorway that allows anyone to feel what the dancer feels, and somehow understand and connect with her dance, her poem," Baker suggests.



I definitely felt a sense of connection to the photographs - whether it was because I myself am a dancer is irrelevant. In my eyes, Baker has succeeded in portraying the poetry and emotion of Venettia Miller's body and movement vocabulary.

Purchase one of these beautiful photographs to hang above your bed, or just have a browse around the gallery if you're looking to get cultured on a lazy Saturday afternoon.

#eastern_suburbs
#exhibitions
#free
#photography
#art
#paddington
!date 28/04/2012 -- 17/05/2012
%wnsydney