Liquid Photography–Common Ground–Chancery Lane

It has been argued that the culinary arts, are, to a degree, an aspect of the visual arts.

Of course, they are much more then that, nevertheless, some assert that our initial response to food is visual and that in order for food to be appealing, it must first look good.

For many, that is debatable. Some consider aroma to be of primary importance. Whatever the case, its has to be admitted that good food demands an attractive presentation.

This idea that food is a kind of visual art, is not, it seems, such a far-fetched notion. All across the United States and even in Canada, there are hosts of Art Institutes, that, amongst all their many visual arts offerings, also offer a major in culinary arts.

It has also been noted that many artists are very good cooks. Recently I had the opportunity to visit Girverny, the home of the French Impressionist painter, Claude Monet.

Of primary importance in that household was the kitchen and Monet, himself, took an active part in creating the family meals.

Today, at Girverny, you can buy a fascinating cookbook called Monet's Kitchen. It describes in detail, many of Monet's favourite recipes.

Conversely, there are many in various arts professions other than the visual, who, as a sideline, are also very good visual artists.

One example of this, is the renowned musician, John Cage. As for those, whose primary training has been in the culinary arts, but who are also successful visual artists, our very own Kok Wan Lee coms to mind.

There are similarities between creating a painting or preparing a meal.

Both begin with an assortment of ingredients or materials, which are then combined to create either a painting or a food item.

If a composition is thoughtfully combined, it will be appealing or at least challenging.

Of course, not all pictures are designed to please and some foods are an acquired taste and not necessarily all that appealing when first tried.

Currently, at Common Ground, in Chancery Lane, Pierangelo Lanfranchi, the manager of the Harbour Front Restaurant, is exhibiting his photographs, but contrary to what you may think, he is not photographing food, but water, as in seascapes; hence the exhibition's title, Liquid Photography.

He tells me that he lives within walking distance of Elbow Beach and that many of his photographs are taken on early morning walks along that stretch of sand.

These photographs were taken just as day was dawning. At that time, the light is such, he had to use a tripod and time exposure, in order to capture the quality of picture he desired.

He says that, as with food preparation, his photographs are also an act of love. For him, both activities are pursuits of passion.

In this current exhibition, Mr. Lanfranchi is showing nine of his seascapes, all printed on canvas. Additionally, he is also exhibiting eight pictures taken in his homeland, Italy, that are printed on aluminium.

One advantage of printing on aluminium is durability, especially in Bermuda, where our climate is particularly harsh on paper.

Mr. Lanfranchi has been seriously pursuing his interest in photography for about ten years and although largely self taught, he has become sufficiently successful to have two of his photographs published in Time Magazine.

In addition to his current exhibition, you can also see other examples of his photo work, by checking out his website, which is: www.pierangelolanfranchi.com

The exhibition continues through August 11, 2010.