OFF Programme: Exhibitions

The “Life Imitating Art” photographs are one of a series of projects that Jeanette Lowe has undertaken as part of her ongoing interest in the relationship between the Photographer and the Painter in Art. The photographs capture scenes of night time Dublin city centre pubs and cafes (Peppe Italian Restaurant, Neary’s Pub, Butler’s Cafe etc.) using the American artist Edward Hopper as inspiration. They were taken bearing in mind how a painter might have recorded them.

The photographs are then de-cluttered digitally to remove items a painter might have chosen not to represent… rubbish, signage, advertising, street markings, wires, vehicles and some people. Colour theory is explored as part of the process which results in vibrant yet calm and engaging images, which appear almost painting-like. Names of locations and buildings are removed leaving the viewer feeling that they know the location but are a little unsure.The voyeuristic nature used by Hopper in many of his paintings is played upon which adds a sense of intrigue to Lowe’s photographs.