Tim Hixson a well known northern beaches photographic artist explores the darker side to surfing in his latest exhibition, opening at SODA Gallery on 7 December at 6pm. This new body of photographic works investigates one of the biggest myths of the sea…the shark. In a ‘serious fun’ way, Hixson looks at the perceived fears and questions whether surfers are less afraid of sharks than part time beach goers. He also looks at his own and perhaps others’ apprehensions associated with the beach.
The images were mostly taken around Avalon and some from surfing trips to Indonesia and the Eastern coast of Australia.
Hixson’s work is rendered very uniquely by the use of the plastic lens cameras he has become renowned for. He pulls them apart and rebuilds them to get a quirky, almost haunting look.
Following a very successful solo exhibition at Manly Art Gallery and Museum in 2004, SODA Gallery is thrilled to have this exhibition by one of the most talented photographers in Sydney.
“Since 1998 I have been re- exploring the use of plastic cameras. These are larger format (6X6 cm) very basic film cameras made in China. As they are almost entirely made of plastic (including the lens) it is possible to modify and alter the mechanism. When using these cameras the photographer has to allow for unpredictable results ie: light flare, colour fringing and shifts, image distortion, parallax error etc.
With Holgas as with other plastic cameras the photographer accepts the fact that he/she is not in total control of the picture making experience and becomes open to the influence of chance and accident. This can lead to new ways of seeing, allowing mystery to help determine the final result. As John Szarkowski said about Harry Callahan’s multiple exposures …”the camera has interesting ideas of its own.”
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