"COUNTERPOINT IN BLACK AND WHITE"

Two internationally renowned Alberta-based art photographers:

Arthur Nishimura and Craig Richards

will be featured in MOCA’s major survey exhibition:

COUNTERPOINT IN BLACK AND WHITE:

The Photography of Arthur Nishimura and Craig Richards

February 2 – February 22, 2012

The Museum of Contemporary Art –Calgary (MOCA Calgary) is pleased to announce its newest exhibition “Counterpoint in Black and White” showcasing and analyzing the artistic careers of Arthur Nishimura and Craig Richards, two Alberta’s most celebrated and accomplished contemporary art photographers. The exhibition will be presented at MOCA Calgary from February 2 to February 22, 2012.

The official opening of “Counterpoint in Black and White” exhibition and the launch of “Exposure 2012 – Calgary Banff Canmore Photography Festival” will be held at the Museum of Contemporary Art-Calgary on Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 7 pm. Monique Westra, the exhibition curator, and the exhibiting photographers: Arthur Nishimura and Craig Richards will be in attendance. A wine & cheese reception will follow the official part. Free admission.

Curated by Monique Westra, a well-known Calgary-based art historian, writer, lecturer and an accomplished independent curator, this exhibition juxtaposes the work of Craig Richards and Arthur Nishimura. Its organizational strategy is based on the notion of ‘counterpoint’, a musical term that refers not only to harmony but also to contrast. This concept serves as an apt metaphor to compare the works of these two senior artists in order to underscore the unique vision of each.  A scholarly-researched and richly illustrated catalogue with a critical essay by Monique Westra will accompany this exhibition project.

MOCA’s “Counterpoint in Black and White: The Photography of Arthur Nishimura and Craig Richards” has been devised as a flagship presentation and contribution to the Province-wide annual festival: “Exposure 2012 – Calgary Banff Canmore Photography Festival”.

“Exposure Festival” (www.exposurephotofestival.com) -  is an annual celebration of contemporary Canadian and international photo-based works showcased in several thematic exhibitions, presentations, workshops and panel debates. From February 1 to February 29, 2012, several exhibition projects, performances, public debates and panel discussions dedicated to contemporary photography will be presented at the participating venues around Calgary, Banff and Canmore.

ART TALK SERIES

“Counterpoint in Black and White: The Photography of Arthur Nishimura and Craig Richards” – Curator’s & Artists’ Talk + Gallery Tour with Monique Westra, Craig Richards and Arthur Nishimura will be held at MOCA Calgary on Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 1 pm. Light refreshments to follow. Free admission. Donations are welcome. The Art Talk Series has been generously sponsored by the Alberta Society of Artists.

Counterpoint in Black and White juxtaposes the work of Albertabased

photographers Craig Richards and Arthur Nishimura.

Its organizational strategy is based on the idea of counterpoint, a

musical notion that refers not only to harmony but also to contrast.

This concept serves as an apt metaphor to compare the works of

these two senior artists. The collection of images is thematically

grouped in order to illuminate those formal and conceptual elements

that Arthur Nishimura and Craig Richards share, as well as those

which separate them as artists.

Both artists maintain a darkroom practice in black and white

photography in a digital age. They have long and distinguished

careers, recognized for a distinct body of work. Craig Richards is

best known for his epic and dramatic photographs of the Rockies and

Arthur Nishimura for his original and idiosyncratic expression. Yet

the range of both artists is much broader, including diverse portfolios

approaches and subjects that may surprise viewers. Their oeuvres

reflect not only their devotion to their Alberta home but also their

fascination with lands and peoples abroad.

Monique Westra

Exhibition Curator