Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Structural Visions and Photoshop

(Photo courtesy of Jennifer Monaghan.)

On Saturday, I attended the Jennifer Monaghan Community Photoshop Workshop at the Semmes Library. Photoshop is a complicated application that everyone wishes they knew how to use. Even if they do know how to use it, one can always learn more, so I was surprised that more people did not attend.

Jennifer’s work was displayed and provided an example of what can be done using Photoshop. Step-by- step, she demonstrated how she manipulated her photos to create intriguing artworks of unique scenes. I was in awe of the complexity of the process required in order to create this form of art, and I was amazed at how much I learned in a couple of hours with a good teacher.

Structural Visions is Monaghan's body of work that explores the subconscious mind by transforming everyday structures into surrealistic visions. These photographs have been processed and manipulated digitally to create a balance of surrealism and realism. "I want the viewer to become so involved with the work that, at first glance, they do not always realize it has been manipulated," says Monaghan, "but soon reality becomes unreality and realm of possibilities open." Curated by Alex Rubio, Program Instructor of ArtSmart Program at Blue Star Contemporary Art Complex, Structural Visions will be on exhibition in the Conference Gallery of the Julia Yates Semmes Public Library through October 30.

I also happily discovered that Blue Star's ARTsmart program hosts a series of rotating exhibits and other workshops at the Semmes Library. Several students’ artwork is on display in the Quiet Room and above the computer stations.

The Julia Laura Yates Semmes library is located at 15060 Judson Road in San Antonio. The exhibits are open to the public during regular library hours: Sunday – 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., Monday – 1:00 to 9:00 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday – 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday – 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m

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