PERENNIAL IMAGES
Tom Baril, John Dugdale, Ron Van Dongen,
Kenro Izu, James Ware Pitts, and Ion Zupcu
March 1 - April 5, 2003

There is something wonderful in the way Earth's raw, primal energy awakens each year in those first fragile, ethereal blossoms of Spring. At times achingly sensuous, symbolic of so much in our human relations, the very first photographs ever made were of flowers placed between glass and sensitized paper - photograms exposed directly to the sun. Flowers have been an enormously popular subject for innumerable photographers ever since. White Room Gallery has gathered six contemporary masters of the art of floral photography for a show we call, "Perennial Images." Varying widely in style, content, and technique, each of these fine photographers brings enormous sensitivity to their delicate images. Kenro Izu, born in Japan and now residing in New York, uses a mammoth custom-made 14x20 inch camera to capture those poignant moments that flowers fade back to oblivion. His contact platinum prints glow with a spiritual atmosphere. James Ware Pitts also works with the delicate palladium/platinum process, creating superbly crafted prints with an amazing tonal range. His photographs are included in museums and countless private collections. Tom Baril, who formerly worked as an assistant to Robert Mapplethorpe, concentrates on carefully arranged still life's imbued with an intimate beauty and attention to detail. He uses unique toning techniques on solarized Polaroid film to realize his vision. Ron van Dongen, originally from Venezuela but raised in the Netherlands, focuses on exotic hybrids, which he himself cultivates at his home in Portland Oregon. He turns these into warm, sensual images that remind us of the essential life force in flowers. Ion Zupcu, a native Romanian, haunts antique stores for vases to match each delicate blossom he plucks from his garden. They have a glowing dreamy look of sepia warmth that reminds you of jewelry. John Dugdale, who is loosing his sight to CMV retinitis, continues to photograph with the help of family and friends. Of his contemplative cyanotype images he says, "Flowers are a symbol of birth, grief, loss, love and beauty. They are one of God's most enduring creations."