The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

INTEGRATING infrared technology with creative photography Bahamian fine art photographer Paulette Mortimer brings the invisible to light in her latest exhibition “infrared Inspiration”.

The exhibit was officially opened on Monday at Doongalik Studios. Until the second week in November, art enthusiasts can take up the challenge of determining which photos in the collection of black and whites, were captured in the day and which in the night. The answer is not always obvious, for the infra red process makes visible elements for which the naked eye alone cannot see.

“Infra red photography was initially only achieved through film specifically developed for military, scientific and medical purposes, but many photographers adopted the process as a medium for creative expression and to give another dimension to their photography. Since the production of infrared film has been discontinued, digital infrared has now provided the means to produce infra red images by either placing a filter in front of the camera lens, having the camera completely converted, or through Photoshop,”said Ms Mortimer.

In the exhibition, Ms Mortimer’s love for nature, architecture and historic landscapes are vivid. Scenes of Mount Alvernia, Cat Island, the Queen’s stair case, the famous Abaco lighthouse and other historical landscapes are documented in this exhibit. Her recent trip to Ireland provided other opportunities to capture landscapes. These works are also on display in the exhibition.

It has been several years since Ms Mortimer held a show. Her concentration on infrared images came from the creative inspiration of her “two fathers”: Her biological father and her artistic father, the late Jackson Burnside.

“They thought it was different and unique. They saw the love and the enjoyment I had doing it. I really wanted to select things that sought of reminded me of them. That is why you see the architectural and the nature images. They really were my inspiration,” she told Tribune Arts.

This is the third time Ms Mortimer has exhibited her work at Doongalik Studios. Pam Burnside said Ms Mortimer’s infrared renderings present a different side to photography, not usually seen.

“It is always good to see young artists doing such interesting things. The infrared is just so different and I think it gives a different perspective to photography. In the digital age where everything is full of colour, Paulette is using the black and white because she likes to do it and she is able to develop her own film. You have to be very good at black and white in order to make a good effect. I am proud of Paulette and it is always a pleasure to have her exhibit her work her at Doongalik,” said Mrs Burnside.

Ms Mortimer’s love for fine art photography developed during her college years, where she was exposed to hand colouring, hand toning, pinhole, colour, and panoramic photography.

“I enjoyed trying new techniques and experimented constantly with different printing processes, hence my love of black and white photography which I can develop myself. Six years ago I decided to make a living from my art and for the last three years I have been focused on channelling my late father’s inner spirit and his love for music, nature, and architecture,” said Ms Mortimer.

“I find great joy in knowing that people love my photographs enough to hang them in their homes. I am exploring other ways to incorporate my art into different products, including printing on tile, metal, wood and glass, examples of which you will see in this showing. I also look forward to printing on fabric,” she said.