Find yourself captivated by images of familiar and far-off places during the Capture Photography Festival, a month-long celebration of thought-provoking and engaging photography.
The Vancouver-based festival started in 2013 as a way to support and nurture artists and spark public discussion about photography as “an art form and a vessel for communication,” according to the festival’s website.
Since its beginning, the festival has expanded well beyond Vancouver’s borders to include galleries from all over the Lower Mainland, including New Westminster.
“Each April, photography is presented at dozens of galleries and community spaces throughout Greater Vancouver as part of the festival’s selected and open exhibition programs, alongside an extensive public art program and an events program that spans tours, films, artist talks and community events,” reads a write-up on the festival’s website.
Among the selected exhibitions is Chilcotin Rodeo, by New Westminster photographer Gabor Gasztonyi.
Chilcotin Rodeo is a collection of photos of rodeos from across B.C. shot by Gasztonyi and curated by Judith Copland. Gasztonyi chose to feature many First Nations rodeos including the Nemiah Rodeo, Redstone Rodeo, Interlakes Rodeo and others in the Chilcotin region.
“This collection of photographs seeks to portray the emotional relationships one finds in rodeo rather than the act of riding a bucking horse or a bull,” reads a statement about the exhibit.
“Rather than offering simple portraits of cowboys and their rodeo activities, Chilcotin Rodeo provides a closer look into the hearts of cowboys.”
The exhibit opened last week at Gasztonyi’s gallery, Gabor Gasztonyi Gallery, 730 12th St. The collection will be available for viewing throughout the Capture festival. Gabor Gasztonyi Gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and is closed Sunday and Monday. (Gallery hours are subject to change; call 778-397-1449 before visiting.)
Tonight (April 12) there is a special opening reception planned from 6 to 10 p.m. at the gallery. All are welcome.
Capture Photography Festival runs until April 30. For more information go to capturephotofest.com.
Also in New West
New Westminster’s Van Dop Gallery is presenting X2, an exhibition featuring work by Rodrigo Sarrat-Cave and Gregory Geipel and curated by Trudy Van Dop. The exhibition runs until April 28 and is part of the 2018 Capture Photography Festival.
“X2 (Times Two) examines issues of urbanism, development, gentrification, decay, reconfiguration and adaptation of urban spaces. Cities are dynamic organisms in a constant state of change,” notes a write-up on the show.
“Using both traditional and digital tools, Rodrigo Sarrat-Cave and Gregory Geipel present the urban landscape both as realistic fragments and as surrealistic composites. Their images provide a contextual timeline of urban spaces: where they come from, where they are now and where they may be going.”
The Van Dop Gallery is at 421 Richmond St. Call 604-521-7887 for hours.
