One
of the great things about art is that it is everywhere, integrated into
the fabric of existence like the molecular bonds that hold the world
together. And like precious minerals bound up in the matrix of the
earth, art can be mined, processed, and refined by those talented enough
to recognize it. Poignant imagery can be found in the splendor of
nature, the complexities of human experience, or in this case, in the
mud! Mudbog is the latest project of documentary photographer
Terrance Reimer. For Mudbog, Terrance chose to turn his attention
to the Oakhurst Mudbog 2000, an annual event organized by the Wicked
Wheelers of Oakhurst, benefiting the Mountain Laurel House.
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The
work presented in Mudbog consists of vividly colorful photographic
images captured during the event. The photos focus on a few different
themes, which ultimately tell a story that captures the essence of the
Mudbog. Many of the images focus on the spontaneous, fast paced
excitement of the race. Roaring trucks churn heavily through the
mud, spattering clumps of gooey brown earth into the air. Mud
spattered participants gesturing wildly, caught up in the thrill of
the moment, and fascinated spectators look on with expressions of
awe and exhilaration. Other images focus on the intense
juxtaposition of color between the earthy tones of dust, dirt, and mud,
and the vibrant color of automotive enamel and chrome. Others
focus on the natural beauty created by the random chaos of splashing
water, churning dirt, and flying mud, and Pollock-like random
compositions created by the chaotic forces of water, mud, and
powerful machines.
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Rather
than using traditional framing techniques for the work, Terrance chose
to present the images in the show mounted on chrome plated aluminum
diamond plate panels, and in
some cases on pieces of the actual vehicles from the event, like the
Dodge truck hood shown here. The result of this unconventional
presentation is to make the work seem friendlier, less pretentious than
work framed behind glass, and more accessible to the viewer. The
juxtaposition of chrome and enamel with the photos also serves to
intensify the already rich color of the images.
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Mudbog
can be viewed at the David Ashcraft Gallery located in Gallery Row on
Highway 41 in Oakhurst. David is a sixteen year Oakhurst resident,
and a multi-talented professional photographer. David's photography
consists of high resolution, large format
color images of landscape and nature. In his work David seeks to reveal
emotive and awe inspiring scenes from Yosemite and the Sierra
foothills. Although landscape is a major theme of his work, David
focuses on other, less familiar themes as well. His "Chevy
Series", a detailed study of an abandoned automobile in Cedar
Valley, can currently be viewed at the Spectrum Gallery in Fresno. Thanks to David's experience and hard work, the opening
was a rousing success. Despite bad weather, the show was packed, with
more than 300 attending. Entertainment was provided by Fresno's
own Rockabilly sensation, Cattie Ness and the Revenge.
Their foot-stompin' tunes were a perfect accompaniment to the
show. All told Mudbog is well worth a look, and will be on display
at the gallery through May 15th. We sincerely
hope that David continues to host similar events that serve
to enrich our local community culturally and artistically.
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David
Ashcraft Gallery
www.davidashcraftgallery.com
telephone:
559-683-3375 |