Ivanov VCU Grad Photo Research: Artist Review 7: Caleb Charland

Significance: I really appreciate his photographic, sculptural and kinetic explorations that bring the images beyond the process and the demonstration of it. I see the scientific not as the focus but as a vehicle to explore balance, fragility and time, maybe one can see the topic as existential. Yet, I was disappointed by the way Charland and others describe his work - it is just an experiment, curiosity. OK, and what about the breath amplifier by Scott Snibbe, who states plainly that his work is NOT about technology. What about Christopher Bucklow's famous silhouettes, they are not about process at all, however, remind of the more recent works by Charland. It is interesting to see in what context people put their work in. Can Charland's work be more than experiment if he presents it in another way or includes social, psychological or political hints?

Bio: Caleb Charland graduated in 2004 with a BFA in photography from the Massachusetts College of Art, Boston. His work has been included in juried exhibitions throughout the United States, and he is represented by Susan Maasch Art, Portland, Maine. Charland may be reached at calebcharland@hotmail.com.

Quotes:
1) "Using the laws of physics as a springboard, Caleb Charland puts elements such as fire, water, and man-made compounds to the artistic test in his series Demonstrations. In these alchemic images, he captures scientific phenomena in moments of still life as well as full-tilt action, calling to mind such forebears as Edgerton and his freeze-frame milk droplets." http://www.aperture.org/apertureprize/w2007-3.php

2) "Carefully planned and meticulously executed, his Demonstration images consist of precisely controlled, yet decidedly low-tech, sets of actions performed for the camera. ... playful use of allusion and illusion appears regularly throughout his projects."
http://mazzeogallery.blogspot.com/2010/04/caleb-charland.html

Work: