On until July 23

As an ongoing project, Gabriola Photography Club curates the art display space downstairs at the Gabriola Medical Clinic on Church Street, Gabriola Island. Club members take turns having solo exhibitions or taking part in group exhibitions.

We are very pleased to present a fascinating new exhibition by John Konovsky, entitled “Between Desert & Sea: how it unfolds”.

John explains the theme and content of his show as follows:

“After a career working as a conservation biologist alongside Coast Salish peoples, the photography of my retirement has focused primarily on morning light.

“The images in this show come from many trips to the Sonoran Desert of the Baja California Peninsula, Mexico. It is neither pristine wilderness, nor fully inscribed by human intention. Geology, biology and ocean interact constantly, often altered by human hands.

“Many assume this desert along the Sea of Cortez (= Gulf of California) is desolate. On the contrary, there is a is rich ecological and cultural history that I want to capture.

“Examples:

• Old growth cardón cacti, Saguaro’s larger elder, form vast, cathedral-like forests
• The long gone Cochimí peoples left a sacred narrative in their up to 7,500 year old rock art
• The Spanish invasion forged a missionary and ranchero culture shaped by the demanding landscape

“Dawn is the organizing element of much of this work. In that beautiful, early light, when the desert is briefly cool and the day has yet to unfold, the countryside feels simultaneously fragile and enduring. Illustrating that tension is my intention.”