VIVID – Photographic Exhibition

Vivid. - adjective
1. producing powerful feelings or strong, clear images in the mind.
2. (of a color) intensely deep or bright.

Mathew Johnson, Ash Standring, and Gabriel Paul have selected their favorite works for exhibition at the People's Gallery. From Ash's carefully constructed, moody, and dark images, Mat's colorful and evocative style, and Gabriel's eye for the astonishing beauty in the ordinary, VIVID is a look at the world through three unique perspectives.

Mathew Johnson
Mathew Johnson's ”Abmon Photos” is by all accounts a stream of creative energy. Initially dabbling in photography as a means to create raw material for digital art, his camera quickly became an all-consuming passion. Mathews' work seeks authenticity as he explores the human experience. Each frame is a cultural snapshot, a story for us to explore and connect with from our own unique perspectives.

“I’m a gypsy-souled storyteller, my inspiration is the ethereal allure of the universe around us” -MJ

Ash Standring.
Ash focuses on identity and intimacy creating a dynamic visual narrative through negative space, strong lighting, and careful attention to subject isolation. "I want you to feel my images."
After several years pursuing wildlife photography as an amateur, he studied digital photography through the Southern Institute of Technology. After studying he moved toward commercial and fine art portrait work. This collection is a cross-section of a few of his favourite pieces.

Gabriel Paul.
Gabriel started his photography journey in the mid-2010s, documenting his life and the beautiful places and people he encountered. “I was a restless addict; I never had the time, or resources spare to invest in this growing passion. I traded a bleak lifestyle for a new start in the Netherlands, I found myself with the creative energy to focus on photography as a means of creating real art” Gabe has experimented with a variety of mediums including black/white, infrared, and medium format film along with digital photography. His selection of images for VIVID represents 5 years of a developing skill.

“Special thanks to my Mum for always believing in me, and to my dad for humbly sharing his passion, and documenting my childhood on film.” GH

Opening preview Friday 5th July, 5:30-7:30pm. Everyone welcome. Refreshments and Licensed Bar available.

On display in The People's Gallery - Toi ka rere from 6th July to the 28th July 2023, 10am-3pm Monday to Saturday, at The Tauranga Historic Village.