Tour
by
Meryl Joseph
Arrayed below are selections from six "episodes"
in Meryl Joseph's work. Her use of the term indicates that, while
thematic and narrative unity are evident throughout, different
explorations were taking place at various times. (Commentary is by the
artist.) - Ed.
Episode One: Mythic Silhouettes (1975)
Photographic narratives based on real images combine with an interior,
imaginary landscape. The photographs reflect the inner journey -
diaphanous. A translucent surface alters depth relationships - images
recede and appear.
Jim's Story,
1975
silver print on layered Translite
11 x 14 inches
Episode Two: Mythic Silhouettes (second series, 1983)
Pioneers,
1983
silver print on layered Translite
11 x 14 inches
Knights
1984
silver print on layered Translite
11 x 14 inches
Episode Three: Photographic Inscriptions (1986)
Much larger, images and grain explode - an analysis of line and
texture.
Matthew's Dream
1986
silver print
on photographic mural paper
40 x 60 inches
Episode Four: Harem Suites (1990)
Inspired by ceiling paintings from Dynasty 18, Egypt, 1417 C. C. The
surface of the negative becomes a canvas - interpreted, altered. The
printing process becomes a complex and discrete phase unto itself -
adding gray tones, expanding the narrative. Using the enlarger light
as a paintbrush, etching stone, or charcoal, an imagined landscape is
juxtaposed around the reality of the photographic image.
Installation view,
Harem Suites
from left to right: Once in A Spring Snow (silver print from collaged
negatives, 40 x 90 inches), Thunder (silver print from collaged
negatives, 80 x 90 inches), Lamentation (silver print from collaged
negatives, 80 90 inches).
Humphrey Fine Art
New York City January 1990
silver prints
Episode Five: Spirit Seekers (1991)
A fusion of contemporary photographic reality with the tradition of
Fifteenth Century Zen aesthetic and craftsmanship resulting in a
series of triptych and single panel scrolls. Silver prints are mounted
on linen with hand-made paper borders. The monochrome tones range from
the richest black through delicate grays to the whiteness of
traditional photographic paper. The format of the scrolls supports a
deeper exploration of the single image. By blasting the negative into
sections, the image mirrors and re-interprets itself, informed by its
own essence. A landscape of wings.
Homage to the
Goose Chaser
(silver print mounted on linen with hand made paper borders, each
panel, 39 x 18 inches)
Episode Six: Ancient Voices (1992-1999)
Photographic images transferred onto hand-made paper, embedded in
plaster fragments. An invocation of earlier narratives.
Untitled 1997
Polaroid transfer from silver negative collage
3 1/2 x 4 1/2 inches
Matthew's Dream,
1994
Polaroid transfer from silver negative collage
3 1/2 x 4 1/2 inches
Journey Home,
1996
Polaroid transfers onto handmade paper from original silver negative
collage, embedded in plaster
30 x 54 inches
Untitled 1997
Polaroid transfer from silver negative collage
4 1/2 x 11 inches
Lamentation, 1998
Polaroid transfer from silver negative collage
3 1/2 x 4 1/2 inches
The artist in
her studio.
from
left to right, Night Journey (silver prints from collaged
negatives, 90 x 80 inches), Lamentation, (silver prints from
collaged negatives, 90 x 80 inches), Silent Whispers (silver
prints from collaged negatives, 80 x 90 inches)
All photographs Copyright Meryl Joseph 1999.
