photos from the opening of jim mangan's color'd at country club gallery on october 27th. the show consisted of series of color photographs shot in the utah wilderness. the subjects of the photographs are a group of young people nude save for a slathering of dyed buffalo fat. the images have a strong sense whimsical, primordial exuberance.
the vivid coloration of the subjects is both in contrast and a compliment to the gorgeous natural splendor of the setting. on the one hand, the bright tones standout against the natural hues of the landscape, yet seem not entirely foreign set against the emerald greens of the vegetation and deep blue sky.
in fact, it's the offsetting of colors here that really gives power to these images. limbs outstretched against organic forms, familiarity slightly extracted from the human form by the presence of artificial color to place focus on shape and form and serving to accentuate the uninhibited movement of liberated youth.
the addition, in some of the shots, of fur pieces tepees and disheveled hair lends a neo-tribal sense to the collection. while the presence of a soccer ball in others leaves a feeling of playful lightness.
overall, color'd was arrousing, nostalgic and thought provoking. the scale of the photographs and the thoroughness with which they cover the walls encapsulates the onlooker in a mood of yearning for the outdoors, freedom and comraderie. yet the lingering darkness of the whole leaves you wary of the cost of such abandon.
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| the artist (center) discussing his work with two patrons. |
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| country club gallery. |
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| all photographs in color'd are available in multiple sizes and editions. they are also compiled into a book. |
