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Latest items? Unedited? Fringe Report Uncut
Lou Amor:
Exhibition - Photographs of Nature
Verdict: Shameless buds of May
Cheltenham - Everyman Theatre - 12 Jan - 23 Feb 04
Flowers, shells and other harmless natural objects might seem dull subjects for photography. Constable, the Hay Wain, yawn, we’ve seen the country in art before. In Lou Amor’s hands, however, these previously innocent bystanders to creation give ‘country matters’ an entirely Chaucerian pronunciation. Because, masquerading as dull bits of bark, honeycombs, and pomegranates, these flora emerge from Lou Amor’s ultra-close-up-lens packed with rampant sex.
Here are plants impersonating genitalia, mainly female, and all a challenge in their large size to what the plant world can offer by way of stamens. This is a case where size really does matter, and to balance nature, Lou Amor might have to start photographing bananas.
These gloriously photographed and un-retouched images are shot on film. The extreme magnification needs a high level of natural light, and many of the images were shot outside in Greece & the Greek Islands. The balance were done in the UK. They’re astonishingly sensual, lush in colour and texture – a visual delight.
Lou Amor graduated in Fine Art with distinction in painting, and works now with photography. The images presented are unified by their integrity. The artist says: ‘I like simplicity - to let the forms speak.’ She loves natural forms, ‘whether it's the inviting curves of a shell, a lily dripping nectar, a swelling pomegranate or a velvety plump plumb,’ – steady on there Lou, we’ve caught the drift. ‘There is a subtext of sexuality there of course - flowers and shells are incredibly sensual.’ You can say that again, Lou. If the book of the exhibition gets published in Soho, it could be more than pomegranates swelling.
The Vagina Monologues famously liberated the c_ word for women. Lou Amor’s exhibition translates it for plants. As for the Psalmist’s ‘Consider the lilies of the field’ - bible class suddenly sounds appealing. And now we know what Wordsworth got up to with the daffodils.
List of Exhibits: Yellow Bloom; Iris; Honeycomb; Lime; Plum; Grapes; Lily 1; Lily 2; Lily 3; Daffodil 1; Tulip; Daffodil 2; Rose 1; Rose 2; Rose 3; Thistle; Poppy Head; Pomegranate; Bark 1; Bark 2; Moth; Spike Shell; Green Shell; Shell. Size: All 21cm x 30cm.
END
John Park
reviewed Friday 16 January 04 / Everyman Theatre Cheltenham
Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012
www.fringereport.com
