‘Through Another’s Eyes’
The Vancouver Street Photography Collective: A curated virtual exhibition
On Instagram (and other platforms), Collective members choose the images they want to present to the world.
We thought an exhibition, curated anonymously by other members, might be an interesting change.
Thus the idea of a Secret Curator was born. Like a Secret Santa gift exchange, Collective members were randomly assigned to curate someone else in the group. Each chose one photograph from their subject’s Instagram feed and submitted it with a curatorial statement. Members were not told who was curating them, or which image was selected.
The result is a varied collection of photographs, accompanied by thoughtful commentary. For the most part, the photographs are not ones their makers might have chosen for inclusion.
We hope you (and they) enjoy this exhibition, seen ‘Through Another’s Eyes’.
Photo by David J. Del Grande
David J. Del Grande has the ability to transport his viewers into another time in an instant. “Meet Me At Central School” is visual storytelling at its best, being rich with emotions from the past, but yet spill into the present. We’ve all been here at one point in our lives and have felt either the belonging or the loneliness. You can almost hear the voices from the past, echoing in the stillness of the scene. Those voices that are filled with dreams, the whisperings, the laughing and the sighing. One can’t help but look further into the photograph, looking for a sign of their own self.
Photo by Rolf Erni
Striking, balanced, timeless. Rolf Erni’s street photography is borne of its classic tradition, which strips down visual distraction and boasts impeccable timing. The frame: A single, triangular light streak leads the viewer into his subject, a mask-clad woman walking from the shops. A colourful tower of light creates a sense of place in the background. Near midnight shadows balance Erni’s focal point with painterly grace. More important, a story telling us how beautiful our daily lives are is ever present, nudging our overstimulated, 21st Century minds toward tranquility. French novelist Marcel Proust advised, “The only paradise is paradise lost.” Moreover, human utopia, arguably, is only realized if we’re aware that humble beauty inundates our daily happenings. Capturing today’s charm fuels candid street imaging, a skill that Erni has mastered.
Photo by Doris Fiedrich
I chose this image because I think both the strong vertical lines and the use of color are major themes found throughout of Doris Fiedrich’s photography. I really liked the humour that comes from the colours of the shoes, pants and umbrella matching exactly with those from the background.
Photo by Justin Trueman
Taken out of context this photograph tells only a fraction of a story of the current time we are living. It's not immediately clear what is going on. The message appears to be strong; it's a request of sorts, but there is also ambivalence and disregard. The photographer chose to frame the person holding the sign as if standing on their own, hidden from plain view in this public space. This image poses questions to the viewer: Who are we to "shake hands" with "again"? Have we actually shaken hands before? Are we inclined to heed this call? The police on motorcycles are not paying attention. There seems to be a disconnect here and maybe that's the only thing that's clear.
Photo by Kris Hooper
When looking at Kris Hooper's photographs it may be hard to determine when his pictures were taken. He is careful not to show us anything that could place us in the here and now. If there is a car it's often an old one. If there is a person they rarely are holding a cellphone (or in today's world, wearing a mask). Even his choice of cameras (lately the Rolleiflex) and use of black and white film lend to this illusion.
I find this exploration of timelessness in his photos of Vancouver fascinating which I feel is perfectly exemplified in this photograph. At first the image is disorienting- not just with time but perspective. Are we outside looking in or inside looking out? The double reflection of the pedestrian walking by only adds to this confusion and contains an illusion of its own: are they smiling? Grimacing? Each reflection offers its own conclusion. Then of course the space itself- an antique store. The image is cluttered with objects that are all displaced from their own time. But then, in the top left of the photo, a tiny clue: Kris himself. So often as photographers we want to hide ourselves and only offer our camera's perspective. But not Kris. Often, and not just in this photo but many of his others, Kris shows his hand either by a reflection or a shadow. He may be playing with time, but he still grounds himself in that reality.
Photo by Kathryn Ford
I chose this image for a number of reasons. I rarely take photographs of people, but I really enjoy and respect photographers that can capture a moment that really shows humanity. This photo is very emotional without showing us the subject’s face. The right hand holding a cigarette resting on his temple, the left arm resting on a knee; the body language is very powerful. Without showing the person’s face, there is a depth of emotion in our reading of the photo that makes this image more universal than personal.
I like photographs that present us with a lot of ambiguity in our interpretation. The context can give us suggestions, but it is our own experience and bias that shapes the story that we build around this image. This image feels equally like it could be both a beginning and an end to multiple stories.
Finally, this image is very well composed. The monochromatic blue outfit contrasts with the greys in the concrete and stone and the white hair. The joints in the wall and sidewalk direct our view to the subject. The small patch of sunlight points to the subject, but also delicately touches the toe of the shoe.
Photo by Kiefer McQuillan
Kiefer manages to draw the attention of the viewer with this photo. A photo with a story. A photo for the viewer to come up with their own story. Questions about the photo. What's he looking at? Is he waiting for someone? What is he holding behind his back? His shirt sleeves look too long and is he wearing a tie? All put together to create a story. Kiefer's photo is a perfect example of this street photography subset. The photo with a story.
Photo by Ivan Lee
This is the photo that attracted my attention. I like how the light is striking the colorful graffiti and part of the subject’s body. It leaves you wondering how the subject looks, the facial expression she has while reading the book, what is she looking at (her steps or the book while walking). Except for the pink basket on the left this photo is perfecto.
Photo by Adam Koebel
"Nothing’s harder when you’re cooped up than to look outside at the sun and the birds and the trees and wish you could be out there, too. All in good time, I guess. For now, we’ve got the windows."
This single image tells a compelling story of how the majority of us felt during the height of the pandemic. Lockdowns, a pause from our social life, no hugs or kisses, work and play from home... all these we had to deal with in a snap of a finger. The imagery exudes this emotion. The reflection, the subject staring at herself and wondering, what should I do? The photograph is well composed with a good use of lighting. The mix of light and shadow on the face of the subject reinforced that melancholy feeling. But the image also indicates "patience", the willingness to wait and ride the time with the optimism that things will be good, things will be back to the time we can hug, kiss, hangout, and just be together.
Photo by Trevor Wide
Trevor captures his images that have a quiet reserve and sense of calm. Standing at a distance letting his subject settle in place within his composition. He often chooses to focus on shadows and refracted light to emphasize the colour and visual interest in his subjects.
This photograph chosen really embodies his work. There is movement of humanity within a street scene yet it also has the feeling of stillness. Reflected light full of colour gives a framed separation to the starkness of the shadowed figure waiting in the foreground. There is a tension created between motion and patience. Trevor really captured the duality of a vibrant colour photo along with the deep contrast and intrigue held within the shadow form.
Photo by Barbara Strigel
The Everyday people and colors: This is from an ongoing series of images showing an everyday scene in the street but breaks the typical sceneries with a more contemporary approach to it. Colours were added by the artist to replace, block, highlight and emphasize what they see while making the images.
Photo by Spicy Amigos
As a native Vancouverite I appreciate @spicyamigo’s take on the Lions Gate Bridge. Completed in 1938, the Lions Gate (or First Narrows) Bridge became an instantly recognizable symbol of Vancouver, and a much-needed connection to the North Shore. Their choice of LomoChrome Purple film, with its unique spectrum, adds to the pleasant vintage postcard vibe.
Photo by Nathan Griffiths
This striking image from @njgriffths of a lone figure in the alley is both provocative and intriguing. We're first drawn into the image by the smoke and dark figure, which is contrasted by the bright red fence covering. The fact that the figure has it's turned back to us adds to the mystery and encourages us to explore the surroundings. The orderly horizontal straight lines from the building in the background is juxtaposed by the disorder and randomness of the foreground with seemingly unrelated items like an umbrella and a piece of a traffic cone. This is a beautifully composed image that draws in it's viewer and leaves us wondering more about the scene.
Photo by Allan Florendo
I chose this picture by Allan Florendo (@poetryinpixels) that was taken just outside a barbershop in Vancouver entitled “I need one badly”. The shot is beautifully framed and truly demonstrates the poetic nature captured in all his photographs. The subjects are well composed and balanced within the shot. In addition, one of the things I admire most about Allan’s work is his range of color. Although this picture is in black and white, there is a beautiful display of white, black and the greys in between. This is something he excels at in every post and is always a pleasure to see. Lastly, this photo alongside his title (or commentary) reminds me of the simpler times when we could easily walk in to get a haircut and not be restricted by a mask. I was so grateful to have the opportunity to select a piece from Allan and I encourage everyone to continue supporting his work!
Photo by Ryan John Lee
Ryan John Lee's street photography stays true to the core of what I think classic street photography is. He is able to catch the little unscripted bits of the theatre of life. The image chosen is emblematic of that; it shows humour in the mundane, free from stylistic social media fads, a raw fleeting moment all while generally shooting wide angle and close up. Ryan is there in the moment capturing the parts of life on the street that can whiz by you in a split second.
Photo by Max Richter
Three concepts present throughout Max's work are warmth, shape, and careful attention. With respect to warmth, there is often a red or orange object or an electrical light source or the implied heat of sunshine in his images. One of the most prominent shapes in his work is the 4-sided polygon, often a square or rectangle. Lastly, Max's careful compositions reveal that his work is about attentiveness, which at a deeper level shows a respect for the subject. Max gives time and thought in exchange for the image he captures. This image combines all three concepts: the warm red of the warm coat on a cool blue palette on a cool day along with the Templeton pool and its series of 4-sided polygons are all nestled perfectly in the frame. Max also enjoys the occasional bit of humour or surrealism in his images, showcased here with the snowperson's interest in the activities of the person in the coat -- not unlike the photographer.
Photo by Shelley Lai
I selected this image by Shelley Lai because it perfectly reflects her photographic aesthetic and mission. This capture of an iconic Vancouver location highlights her goal of documenting the city's quickly disappearing spaces. At the same time, the play of reflections, light and shadows creates a lovely image on its own. In this sense, the photo can be appreciated as both a record of a specific time and place but also as a timeless reflection of beauty.
Photo by Daniel Mosquin
Daniel’s influence from the botanical photography world makes itself apparent through the natural and organic representation he captures in his street photography. Here, you see his characteristic use of patience and light to allow the image to form itself.
Photo by Jody Hill
It was curiosity and the immediacy of the narrative that drew me to this photo. Who are these two people, seated under the calm, watchful eye of a stone lion? One seemingly distraught and the other lost in thought. Are they together? Did they argue? Or are they two individuals lost in their own worlds?
Compositionally, I enjoy the contrast of the image. Two people with contrasting emotional states, counterweighted by an impassive stone lion. Vertical lines and complexity of the upper half balanced against the open stone pavement and horizontal steps below.
Photo by Khim Hipol
A timeless reflection of our past. The bustling districts of Vancouver's neon signs were created from the late 1920s through the 1960s, combining the spirit of technology, artisanship and commercialism in the city. Neon signs were a source of Vancouver's urban identity and this photographic collage encompasses that. The simple color palette and balanced tones within the negative space helps it breathe new life to our present day. Showing us the spirit is still present.
Photo by Alan Ibasco
Alan collects characters like some collect sneakers, stamps or buttons. I’ve chosen this image of his as it captures a woman who hangs out in a doorway at the base of my workplace. This woman and I are strangers except for having passed each other a thousand times. I’ve learned she’s polite but with a devilish twinkle of the eye. She’s nobody’s fool, and is quick to laugh. Alan has frozen all that into a single frame.
Photo by Chelsea Ker
Strong graphical elements and beautiful composition, this picture reminds me of work by the famous street photographer Siegfried Hansen.
Photo by Sam MacTavish
Sam takes great nature photography, so it may seem odd that I chose a photo of a tire to represent this artist. What I like about this tire is that it's approached with the same patient, watchful eye. Like the birds, the tire is undisturbed by Sam's presence; uninterrupted. It could easily be a lizard sunning or an old timer watching the day rise. It's a wonderful shot of liminal space, with lots of textures under the blue paint and shadows thrown on the wall. It's also a gentle photograph, like many of Sam's photos of animal and plant life, it's got soft light and isn't a busy photograph, it's naturally posed and apparent what we are being shown. The vibe of Main Alley is captured in a microcosm in this photo, time moving slowly amidst a pocket of old time Vancouver.
Photo by Lily Hawrysh
I’m nuts about this image on many levels: colour and mood, contrast and depth but mostly the composition. The blue and white colour combination of the clouds and sky (also repeated in the street signs) is cheerful and optimistic. The reflections provide added depth and detail. I also like the symbolic contrast between nature and humankind represented by the organic shapes and ethereal tones of the clouds and sky above compared to the stark black and white symmetry of the pavement and street markings below. There’s also contrast between the walking pedestrians and the flying cars. The contrast between light and dark. Underscoring it all is a sense of dynamism thanks to the asymmetric composition and a clockwise directional arrowhead in the bottom left of the frame. An energy that keeps you moving through all four corners.
Photo by Ian Heffernan
There is a quiet appreciation for the power and beauty of the gesture in Ian's work that holds my attention. In these portraits of people drinking coffee and waiting at crosswalks, he creates a world of small moments that are intimate and accessible. I admire how he pulls the humanity out of the details, how he allows the city to surround his subjects but not be the subject and the respect he has for the depth of emotion that can exist in a simple scene. This image is one of my favorites- a woman relaxes into the moment, absorbed in her reading, as she leans back into the warmly lit cafe. The light is painterly and soft, the woman solidly present and completely at ease. We feel the calm in her separation because of the way Ian has framed the scene, giving us just enough of the rest of cafe to know she is not alone. Like many of his images, it has a contemplative feel that invites you to linger.
Photo by Stephen Huen
Street photography of people walking through beams of light, of surprised faces, caught in a flash, or of scenes of chaos in the moment - all relatively common themes in the form and, as a result, things we see a lot of when we’re looking at collections of street photos. Something harder, I think, is to wring pathos from an inanimate object and what is sadder or more relatable than this halfway deflated pillow, collapsed by the side of the road? Stephen manages to give this discarded object a very human affect, and I’m always drawn to art that forces us into unexpected anthropomorphism. In a way, the absence of human subjects invites us to project our own humanity into the frame. God only knows I’ve felt what this now useless object of comfort must be feeling. We all have.
Photo by Reimar Koch
When I stumbled upon Reimar’s work as part of this exhibition, I was immediately struck by his talent. He is a very talented photographer and I’m happy to share one of his images! I am a big fan of the mood he brings to his photographs. I chose this image because I think it showcases Reimar’s ability to frame interesting subjects with vibrant colours that bring life and energy to his photographs. I was particularly attracted to this image because of the choice of a unique subject and his use of colour. The way in which the duller grays and blues contrast with the vivid pink makes this photograph stand out as a piece of art. The abstract nature of the photograph, along with the vivid colours and contrast, exemplifies Reimar’s talent of capturing unique and eye catching photographs. I am pleased to share this image, and I encourage you to explore more of his work!
Photo by Chris McCann
This image stood out because it shows dynamic motion, the beauty of movement. Movement is difficult to describe in words and I think the image captures it beautifully, we recognize it instantly. No need to explain anything.
The subtle colours don’t distract, the eyes can freely move around and follow the curves. The soft curves give it a transitory, fleeting impression. Ernst Haas, one of the masters of “movement”, would be proud of it.
Photo by Liza Navarro
This curating is a tough job. I would liked to have picked at least 3 pictures.
Finally came down to “Thrilled to share the love.” The light, perspective and contrast put me right there with a smile. The picture tells a story and has enough mystery to keep pulling me in for another detail. It proves how advantageous it is to carry a camera and makes me wish I had been there to take the picture.
Photo by Craig Sheppard
There are consistent themes in Craig Sheppard’s Instagram gallery, on their own or in combination: strong architectural lines, or vibrant blocks of colour, or monochromatic pieces with a little hit of vivid colour, or intriguing shadows. This photo encompasses lines, colour blocks, and shadows. It fascinated me, as I wondered initially if that was a shadow or a person silhouetted against the wall. I’m still second-guessing myself.
Photo by Sharon Wish
Throughout Sharon’s work I can see themes of isolation and loneliness. Often working in black and white Sharon’s work evokes a sense of calm and serenity.
I have chosen this beautiful image as I love the mood and how I am transported into the scene. Viewing the fog amongst the trees I can almost feel the crisp winter air in my lungs. For me this shot sums up Sharon’s work in creating feelings of isolation and captures the beauty of this city and all of its incredible nature.
Photo by Jake Wong
I have chosen this image because I feel it is quite strong. The repetitions of the hats, shoes and coffee cups does wonders for my OCD eye. I found overall Jake’s color work to be much stronger then his black and white work. This is very apparent in this photo. The colorful subjects almost make the background completely disappear. Speaking of the background I love the way the railing gives us such nice framing on the subjects. This photograph is quite powerful and its strength only grows with more views.