Artist Profiles

The first thing that catches your eye about these magnificent photographs is the dramatic quality of light and shadow they create. Create? Given that these are photographs shouldn�t that be capture? No, create is correct because, although photography is better known as an objective documentation medium, Mehlman applies it rather subjectively in her work. While the pictures are of actual places, the question of what sort of reality they portray is open. Mehlman uses her camera to bring a personal reality to bear and the result is images that are as sensuous as they are elegant. The patterns of light and shadow hold plenty of deliciously softened contrasts. It�s the same sort of quality that Alfred Hitchcock�s often tapped into with his classic black and white films.

Janice Mehlman, Resurrection, 2001, silver print, 30 x 24 in

Janice Mehlman, Streets of Desire, 2002, silver print, 25 x 24 in

But step back for a moment and consider the absence of color or rather how these images would be affected by its presence.  A large part of the beauty of this work is in how the blacks, whites and multitudes of grays simplify the forms.  The result is that sublime relationships between the forms are captured and made explicit. The images are imbued with an inviting sense of mystery;

A Slice of Light, Iris Print Photograph, 30�x30", Ed: 10, 2002

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