Comme Ca Art presents

Glimpse

A selection of works by Tracey Gibbs at The Lowry Hotel*, 9th July 2009 ­ 18th August 2009

Glimpse is a digital photographic installation, displaying images shot in panoramic format on film, on ten digital screens. It explores the artist’s journeys in Egypt- a country visited by thousands each year and one of the world’s most enigmatic tourist destinations. From the waters of Lake Nasser, through the strange enigmatic shapes of the White Dessert to hotels of Cairo and Masa Matrouh Tracey’s photographs offer a chance to discover the personality of the country as it is today. The artist chooses to shoot on film for its intensity, texture and depth – and teases out the visual intricacies in all manner of her encounters to identify worthy visual composition from otherwise overlooked subjects. A corridor, a ripple in the water, tomato ketchup bottles lined up for service – these are the brief encounters that entice us into Tracey’s Egypt. Although Tracey is offering us a glimpse the standard of her photo work suggests more in-depth absorption that requires your attention. From desert landscape to still life, a mixture of serene and moody scenes jostle side by side on each screen and invite contemplation.

The programming of the screens aims to stay true to the artist’s ethos behind this series, offering a continuous loop of glimpses to entice the viewer. Each screen runs a different pattern of display so that different photographs are screened at any given time. The length of time you have to look at an image will vary depending on the screen you are looking at. The layout of the installation aims to tantalise your peripheral vision as well – the rhythm of the circulating images tempting your concentration to be aware of the multiple screens that sit side by side along one straight wall. The very intention of Glimpse is that you question the images you see, that these foreign vistas entice you, and that you wait in anticipation for the images to reappear on the screen.

Tracey has been hard at work devising this installation and Comme Ca Art is very excited about hosting such an innovative photography project.

www.traceygibbs.co.uk

*The Lowry Hotel, 50 Dearmans Place, Chapel Wharf Salford, M3 5LH : Opening Times: 24hours, 7 days a week. Free entry