Ariete artecontemporanea, in Bologna, Italy, presents a solo show of the American photographer Beth Moon at the gallery’s venue. In her suite Thy Kingdom Come, she captures the weird equilibrium between the innocence of childhood and some dark shadows of the nature, revealing a magical and instinctive focus on time, reminiscence and nature (fundamental themes in Moon’s photos) contributing to a better understanding of the place of humans in the universe. On stage also photos from her suites Diamond Nights and Olive trees (dedicated to ancient Italian showing olive trees against night skies, recently presented at the MUSE – Science Museum, in Trento, together with the graphic works by the Italian artist Federica Galli).
Beth Moon tells stories about centuries old trees: her quest to photograph them like they were green monuments has taken her across the five Continents. The Eye of Photography asked her some details of her work.
What are selection criteria for your subjects?
The criteria I use for choosing “my” trees are: great age, immense size and notable history. Locations are researched by a number of methods: history and botanical books, tree registers, newspaper articles, information from travelers.
How many kilometers did you travel to photograph your green giants?
I stopped counting a long time ago! Although I have traveled to different parts of Europe, Asia, The Middle East, Africa and the United States I feel like I have barely scratched the surface. There are many other destinations I would like to travel to in the future.
Why do you think they somehow are symbolic trees?
I think there are so many ways to look at trees. For me, personally, I’ve always been interested in the aspect of time. It’s amazing to know that many of these trees have survived for thousands of years and are able to endure and adapt in severe conditions. Some ancient trees hollow out as they age as a survival technique. The tree sends an aerial root down the center of the trunk, which will continue to grow from the inside out. This life force is formidable, just one inspiring aspect among many.
What about the link between the great age of the trees and the permanence of platinum printing?
I chose to print using a 19th century printing process not only for the long delicate tonal range, but also for permanence. A platinum print can last for centuries, pairing subject with process.
As for Diamond Nights (a work that marks the transition in your work from film to digital capture and from black-and-white to color), how do you deal with time exposures and what is discernible by the human eye?
Indeed, time exposures blend the boundaries between the visible and the invisible. There is a middle zone where splendor comes into being, where two different realities mingle and blur. If magic exists anywhere, it is here.
How do you connect your two series, Diamond Nights and Thy Kingdom Come?
The basis for all of my work revolves around our natural world and man’s relationship to it. Roughly speaking, the basic elements are man, animal and earth, so both bodies of work are loosely intertwined, inspired by the same curiosity and respect. This portfolio focuses on totem-like beliefs and practices connecting man to animal, in a kind of twilight world, where all things seems to be connected. The idea of achieving animal spirit is at the heart of ancient Eurasian religion, a dormant memory in today’s contemporary culture.
What is the influence of your studies in arts on your photos?
I studied fine art in college, although they did not offer classes in photography at the time. Classes in painting, life drawing, sculpture and design gave me an understanding of many basics and would set the ground work for my work in photography which was to come years later. I find the camera to be a tool in much the same way as a brush or pencil.
Paola Sammartano
Paola Sammartano is a journalist specialized in arts and photography based in Milan, Italy.
Beth Moon, diamond nights | thy kingdom come
September 30 to November 9, 2017
L’ARIETE artecontemporanea
via d’azeglio 42
40123 Bologna
Italy
