Armando Ferrari
Botanical Studies
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Armando Ferrari’s personal work has always been of interest to me, because although his commissioned projects convey his own photographic style, his personal projects really showcase his artistry and knowledge of artistic practice. Conceptually very subtle, his personal work demonstrates an appreciation of other art forms, an ode to painting in the case of his most recent project Botanical Studies, which is the subject of this showcase. His ‘quiet observation’ is apparent in these understated and evocative visual palettes.
Botanical Studies is a collection of dark, sumptuous photographs of plant specimens photographed at the Botanical gardens in Glasgow, from the outside looking in through the glass. Painterly in quality, they appear to be textured and evoke a sense of the gothic; they have an air of mystery and darkness. On first sight I thought the images were of plant life under the water of a flowing river.
Botanical Studies is a collection of dark, sumptuous photographs of plant specimens photographed at the Botanical gardens in Glasgow, from the outside looking in through the glass. Painterly in quality, they appear to be textured and evoke a sense of the gothic; they have an air of mystery and darkness. On first sight I thought the images were of plant life under the water of a flowing river.
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Ferrari wanted the final images to be reminiscent of Rachel Ruysch’s (1664-1750) still-life paintings of flowers, but with more of a ‘harder quality’ to them. He has achieved this, as in some of the images the plant life is almost indeterminable and the viewer has to question what they are looking at. The paint like quality and condensation effect give a feeling of depth and made me think of the green, murky waters and reeds in John Everett Millais’s (1829-1896) painting ‘Ophelia’ (1852). I was also reminded of the water lily ponds in some of the glass houses in Kew Gardens and the dark undulating waters below.
The photographs delicately capture glimpses of what you see in botanical gardens in the periphery of your vision, and you can almost smell the humid tropical air. One can create one’s own visual story due to the abstract nature of the photographs. Armando is still working on this project and I look forward to seeing more of these opaque canvases with their flashes of deep purple and rusting orange; his images illustrate how photographers use fine art traditions in their work without using paint, favouring photographic techniques and skills to create beautiful, layered studies. |
All images © Armando Ferrari
Armando Ferrari |
Kate Doyle |
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Armando Ferrari began working in assisting and production in 2002 (after completing a BA Hons Photography from Napier University) and has been working as a full time photographer since 2006.
He has received various awards and inclusions in exhibitions. The Association of Photographers (AOP) awards 2011 and 2012 in both the non-commissioned object and non-commissioned environment as well as commissioned editorial categories. Two series of images featuring in the Creative Review Photo Annual 2011, inclusion in 09 and 08 (Best in book 2008), AOP Assisting awards various 03-06 as well as being shortlisted for Emerging Artist award B.O.C , 04 His commercial work has taken him to shoots across Europe working for various clients. Armando's work covers a diverse range of subjects, from fashion to landscape and architecture he is represented by Shierke. Armando's visual passion and quiet observation is reflected in his work. www.armandoferrari.com |
Kate Doyle (1980) lives and works in London.
Kate has a degree in History of Art from Sussex University and an HND in Photography from London Metropolitan University. She has worked at Christie’s, The Association of Photographers (AOP) and Michael Hoppen Gallery where she was in a curatorial and exhibition management role. With ten years experience in the visual arts, Kate is knowledgeable about the history of photography and contemporary photographic practices. |