John Kohring | Photographs

The Quarter Gallery at Regis Center for Art presents John Kohring | Photographs January 17 through February 11, 2017.  Ten years ago Kohring began taking photographs using a small, digital camera that he could carry easily in his hand on long walks. In his photography, Kohring records an ordinary moment in time. The images in this exhibition show things that he encounters by chance in neighborhoods, natural environments, and public places. Today, camera phones are ubiquitous. This exhibition provides an opportunity for viewers to engage in a spirited conversation about the difference between fine art photography and snapshots.

 

Artist Statement

When I studied art, I took very demanding courses that were intended to develop the student’s ability to see accurately. After the arduous process of learning the rules, I wanted to let loose. So I became an abstract painter. I made large-scale gestural paintings for over thirty years. In recent years, I have concentrated on photography. While painting and photography differ substantially in technique and outcomes, I have found that I can take photographs with the same spontaneity that I enjoyed when letting the paint fly in my studio. All of the images in this exhibition were taken while I was just walking around. Some images depict objects situated in painted environments, such as an example of taxidermy at a state fair. Others examine the natural properties of light and water, such as the reflection of clouds on the surface of a lake. Still others depict commonplace scenes in alleys. While these photographs are taken using contemporary technology, they are informed by my early academic training and years of subsequent thinking about what constitutes quality in art. -- John Kohring