Paul Hart: Nature’s Solace

jaggedart is delighted to present Nature’s Solace, Paul Hart’s first solo show in our gallery from 9 November – 9 December 2006.

Landscape, architecture and plants have been recurrent themes in the photographs of Paul Hart.

The landscapes and seascapes were shot in England and Tuscany. All in black and white, they capture quiet, contemplative moments when the stillness of nature’s forms brings solace.

The works are developed and hand-toned in a wet darkroom by the photographer, the subtlety of the tones serving to emphasize the beauty of the moment that he has captured.

The plant and flower photographs come across as portraits of the subject, with an intriguing insect-like perspective. It is unusual to find flower images in black and white, however this allows the attention to focus on the floral shapes and structures. Paul uses the composition to reflect both the organic beauty of the plants and their more architectural forms.

The prints are selenium-toned silver gelatine prints, a labour-intensive process which Paul uses to ensure archival permanence.