By Kathy L. Collins
The November exhibit at the Bruton Memorial Library in Plant City features the wonderful and compelling photographs of James Graves. His exhibit entitled “Marking Questions” features 12 photographs. All of the photographs are in black and white, which adds to the allure of the exhibit.In his artist statement Graves said,
“In this project, I document the world around me as I attempt to make images which speak, much like poetry, on both the conscious and subconscious levels. I have a slowed down approach to making photographs, using film and medium format cameras that lead to more deliberate, contemplative yet intuitive narrative.”
Graves is from Pennsylvania and moved to Florida when he was in his teens. He received both his undergraduate and Master’s from the University of South Florida (USF). He took up photography after he graduated from USF. Currently Graves is a resident of Plant City.After a long career as a librarian in the county library system, Graves returned to photography. He was recently published in The Tampa Review and his award-winning work has been exhibited in numerous group shows and two-person shows.This very interesting exhibit captures images of dogs, horses, interior rooms and the outdoors.
His art photographs have always been created with black and white film. Graves prefers this method because of its abstraction and enhanced ability to communicate as metaphor.Anne Haywood, Director of the Bruton Memorial Library said of Graves’ work, “Graves is a photographic seer, using the visual language to traverse the places between his interior and exterior worlds. Images are split second memories and metaphors, awash with gesture and stripped down into black and white simplicity.”The Bruton Memorial Library is located at 302 W. McLendon St. in Plant City. The exhibit on the library’s art wall is available for viewing during regular library hours during the month of November.
