One of the exhibitions halls I am regularly visiting, has two levels. On the ground level there's usually a painting, graphics or sculpture exhibition and on the top floor, almost always there's a photography exhibition. That's what it was expecting me this week too.
Yesterday I posted about the painting exhibition and today I'd like to show you some amazing black and white photos that we could all learn from, or those who are into this type of photography.
It was an exhibition by Emese Gál and Erika Simon, called "Hat, Scarf, Look". The title may seem a bot odd at first read, but if you see a few of the photos, you will understand why the title.
Erika Simon - Black Work, Clean Soul
The title needs a bit of explaining as I think the meaning gets lost in translation. Black work is an expression we use for illegal work, without papers. Here the gentleman is working for himself, but he gets dirty, as he's working the fields and that's why the title says black work. It's a lovely portrait, very detailed and clean one.
It's not a secret, I keep saying that genuine portraits are hard to take as today most, if not all the people are posing and faking smiles and happiness for the camera. Not these people. That smile is genuine and there's no posing here. These people are rare and when this generation disappears, genuineness disappears too. I can guarantee you that. Unfortunately kids are taught at a very young age to smile for the camera, forced to do it, even if they don't want to, then years later parents look at the photos and tell everyone how happy they were, but were they really?
The difference between these simple people and those you see on every social media platform is that you don't have to tell these people to smile, to look happy. Their reaction to the camera is award winning, I can guarantee you that.
I can't move on without posting this photo. Those of you who are reading my posts might know, I am always taking a photo at the entrance as how can I not? I love these doorways (how do you call them?) and how it narrows to the end.
Emese Gál - Threads of Life
Hand weaving, I could say is almost non existent, or it's on its way of disappearance as only a few artisans are doing it and old ladies like the one on the photo as that's what they have been doing all their life.
Here, every wrinkle tells a story and those hands show you the life the lady has had. I love the angle here.
Erika Simon - Looking For The Light
I'm tagging @dimascastillo90 here, I know he likes these type of portraits. What you see here is simple life and happiness.
Erika Simon - Emblem Of My Craft
Same old man, while working, making wooden rakes. An activity that is going to disappear with this generation. This is why these photos are so valuable.
What I loved at this exhibition was that most of the photos, especially portraits were black and white, the paper was grainy, not shiny and the photos were not covered by glass. There was a bit of reflection, but bearable in my opinion.
Emese Gál - Wheel Of Time
Have you ever seen anyone making wooden wheels by hand? I haven't. Have you never photographed anyone making wooden wheels by hand? I haven't. I don't think I have to tell you how rare it is to find an artisan who does that. This is why this photo is so valuable.
Erika Simon - And Now Comes The Tire
This is how it's done :)
These two photos makes me understand that the two photographers (two ladies by the way), were working together as on the last two photos you see the same man working, but the two photos were not taken by the same person. How cool is that. I love it.
Emese Gál - Until The Coal Gets Into The Bag
Again, a job that is hardly ever done by hand these days. Only in remote places are people burning wood themselves to get charcoal, since you can buy it ready at the supermarket or gas stations.
I love how the man is almost covered by smoke, or steam, or both.
At the beginning of my post I said, the exhibition was called "Hat, Scarf, Look". I bet you didn't understand why. Now you can scroll back, look at the photos again and you'll understand the meaning of the title.
This is it for today, photography lovers.
You know the drill, leave me a comment and tell me which one is your favorite :)
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Fantásticas fotografías. Gracias por compartir.
Love this portraits, are really naturals. The last one is incredible, the smoke of the coal, the black and white, it's just a Wow 🤩 thanks for share it
We say black work here too, no contract and just work on the word... It's all photos of works that are hard, tiring and body consuming, most of them disappearing... It's hard to pick a favorite, they are all great shots, the tire and wheel ones are great, if I have to choose I'd pick "Black Work, Clean Soul", despite everything, the fatigue, the irregular work, he's genuinely happy
We’re so used to forced smiles and posing for the camera that seeing these genuine faces feels rare and powerful
I really admire those people who also love seeing some paintings or even photographs. It's just like I can catch up the meaning and the emotions they give to release that kind or work.
The black and white photography is amazing, it transports us to another time and what I like most about this exhibition are the faces of the people, the expressions, pensive or joyful, working or tired but happy. The perspective of your entry photo is always great and this one is my favourite... the happiness of good work, manual work, the most valuable. Thank you!🤗
