Through Her Eyes | Angela Dawn in Portland 2021
Angela Dawn: Art is a way for us to view the world through the eyes of an artist. We gaze at what they consider beautiful; which may or may not be the same as our interpretations of the adjective. Nevertheless, these works give us a new perspective to consider and learn from. Some artists choose to show the view of another person such as photographer, Angela Dawn in her latest exhibit, “Once Upon A Time” at the Sugar Gallery in Portland, Oregon.
Once Upon a Time tells, and shows, the story of one particular girl’s day after a serious of dramatic and life changing events had happened in her life. Although we are viewing the protagonist in the photos, we are able to see her day through her eyes. This world of fantasy is her reality and what maybe regular places for us is beauty to her everyday. After such a trying time in her life, the simplest gestures and textures offer an optimistic view for the future. Accompanying these snapshots of time are journal entry collages that act as a narrative and provide background information so that we can interpret and understand the whole experience of the day even more.
The images follow the girl as she shops a resale furniture store, bikes around town, and finally, crash at home after an exhausting and emotional 24 hours. Feelings of freedom, solitude, and melancholy are shown. As she tries out a sofa, it reminds her of a past time and she lays there just a bit longer reminiscing. Biking through the neighborhood is refreshing and gives a feeling of hope even from a place that seems to have none. At home, the comfort of an area rug and a playful kiss from her canine companion is the perfect way to end the day. We don’t need to know all the details of this particular day, because all the energy and feelings are transferred to us through this graphic diary.
Angela Dawn is a west coast native and surrounds herself in art everyday. Her first show was in 2003 at the Keiser Historic Center and she won best portfolio in 2004 from the Art Institute of Seattle. This was just the start of her creative career. Her present work focuses on fashion photography and fine art and she has presented her work in numerous group and individual shows.
A. Dawn believes that art is what makes the world go around and stated that as she walks the streets, all she sees is great shots. All of her shoots are unplanned, partially due to her Seattle residence and its reputation for finicky weather. She doesn’t work with models, but prefers to photograph regular people in regular environments. Scenarios are presented through her images; one that doesn’t require explanation. Art and life is fun and exciting for her, and her photographs demonstrate just that.
“Once Upon A Time” will be exhibited at the Sugar Gallery until June 31st .
Category: Photography
