Terry Gambarotto, Four Chambers #1, digital c print, 50″ x 50″, 2011. Courtesy of Pentimento Gallery
Faced with Gambarotto’s Four Chambers #1 upon entering the space, a visually captivating (due to size and brilliant color) print, I was excited for what I expected: the plurality of representations of the human heart. However, the artwork proved to be visually monotonous. Although the project was stated to explore “various scientific and cultural expressions of the human heart,” it was not readable. The titles and the concept for the works seem to be mildly inspired by ideas of unity in Eastern and Western spiritual practices but there were no indications, other than the titles, that the works were displaying anything but microscopic shots of the human heart.
Terry Gambarotto, Still shot from Kardionic, 2013, Recording of Audiovisual Performance NXNE, 2013. Running Time: 14m 3os
Yet, Kardionic, the recorded performance, was a clear break from the static and the scientific digital c-prints. The video connects the audience to a visually and audibly entrancing experience. The performance, which will be taking place, live, on August 23rd at Toronto Image Works, is created by “an ensemble of three musicians provides both the improvised soundtrack and the control data that drives the animation.”
Terry Gambarotto, Chamber in Unity #2 (2013) Digital C-print mounted on dibond, 52″ x 32″. Courtesy of Pentimento Gallery
Terry Gambarotto and curator Shea Chang at the Opening Reception, July 18, 2013 in front of Chamber in Unity #1 (2013) Digital C-print mounted on dibond, 52″ x 32″
Although I found Gambarotto’s spiritual and emotional inspiration to be undetectable, I would have to agree with Shea Chang when she stated, on opening night, that it is refreshing to take a closer look at a collection of abstract photographic works.
Terry Gambarotto, Red Corpuscles (2013) Digital C-print mounted on dibond, 52″ x 32″. Courtesy of Pentimento Gallery
Terry Gambarotto, Tricupspid Valve (2013) Digital C-print mounted on dibond, 52″ x 32″. Courtesy of Pentimento Gallery
Terry Gambarotto, Four Chambers #3, 2013, Digital C-print mounted on dibond, 52″ x 32″
I enjoyed being challenged by the works, to take time to not only appreciate the formal beauty of the prints, but also to think about the narrative that Gambarotto was attempting to communicate to his audience about the depths of our hearts, and not simply the scientific/cold exploration of this organ, but the emotional/spiritual connotations of the heart. Although I believe that he did not successfully accomplish the latter, I am hopeful that the live performance on August 23rd will make the connection between his work, and his concept/inspiration palpable.
Text and photo: Leanne Simaan
*Note: The show is open till August 31, 2013. Live performance August 23, 2013, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m., at Toronto Image Works Gallery, 80 Spadina Avenue. Gallery Hours: Mon – Fri 8:30 – 7, Sat 11 – 3 p.m.
The comment about visual monotony is interesting and challenging. Given that the images are derived from and/or a meditation on the human heart one might expect some visual similarity between pieces. Perhaps the reviewer was looking for a more fantastical approach, less grounded in the real complexities of this central organ?