The opposing modernist sensibilities of pictorialism and constructivism duel to a draw in the happy pairing of straight black-and-white beauty photographers David Burdeny and Michael Parker, both of whom place an accent on complex geometrical composition. Burdeny is the romantic, traveling around the world to take dreamy shots of the artifacts that dot shorelines, like piers, anchors and jetties, prolonging his exposure at times to create a subdued effect that invites solitary contemplation. Parker, another globetrotter, gets off on power, shooting majestic architectural details from below, with a preference for grandiose ornate ceilings. The contrasting virtues of the two are highlighted by Burdeny’s exquisite study, from Tokoname, Japan, of rows of poles emerging from the water to form a ragged phalanx facing us benignly; and Parker’s assertive image of the tips of empty flag poles converging as they thrust into the sky like enormous needles. (Michael Weinstein)
Through August 30 at David Weinberg Gallery, 300 W. Superior, (312)529-5090.
Opposites Attract: A Review of Nancy and David Bechtol at ARC Gallery No two artists could be farther apart in concept and style. While David’s long, long panoramic images are breathtaking in their portrayal of North American landscapes, Nancy’s wild, erratic and excitingly dynamic work is at the other end of the photographic spectrum.
