Connection 5, Derrick Whaley, 01/07/2023, photography, 8 x 10 in. / 20.32 x 25.4 cm.

Derrick Whaley's Connections: Solo Exhibition at Naturalist Gallery

December 22, 2023 Gavin Coates

Featured Image: Connection 5, Derrick Whaley, 01/07/2023, photography, 8 x 10 in. / 20.32 x 25.4 cm.

At the heart of the Naturalist Gallery of Contemporary Art, Derrick Whaley’s solo exhibition, “Connections,” beckons viewers into a monochromatic world where light and shadow coalesce into intricate narratives. Each photograph, an 8 x 10 inch window, invites an intimate contemplation of nature's complex interplay. Whaley's stark, high-contrast images are not mere representations; they are explorations of the essence that underpins our natural world. Here, within the confines of this gallery, we are offered a chance to see the subtleties of connectivity that Whaley so masterfully captures.

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Connection 3, Derrick Whaley, 08/16/2023, photography, 8 x 10 in. / 20.32 x 25.4 cm.

"Connection 3," dated August 16, 2023, is reminiscent of a dense, textural symphony, where each leaf seems to vibrate with an almost musical rhythm. The high contrast Whaley employs imbues the image with a dynamic energy that seems to pulse with life. The image speaks to the unseen networks that bind the forest ecosystem, reminding viewers of the invisible bonds that sustain life. The visual complexity of this piece challenges the eye to discern individual elements within the collective tapestry, suggesting that our understanding of nature is as much about the whole as it is about the singular components.

Connection 6, Derrick Whaley, 05/19/2023, photography, 8 x 10 in. / 20.32 x 25.4 cm.

In "Connection 6," captured on May 19, 2023, there is a stark departure from the lushness of "Connection 3." Here, the branches reach out like veins or crackling lightning against the sky, a motif that conjures notions of growth, reach, and perhaps a striving for something beyond the visible. It’s as if Whaley is illustrating the arduous journey of life, where every reach upwards is met with a complex web of challenges, represented by the intricate interplay of shadows and light. This piece feels both hopeful and daunting, a testament to the resilience of life.

Connection 9, Derrick Whaley, 08/29/2023, photography, 8 x 10 in. / 20.32 x 25.4 cm.

"Connection 9," the latest in the series from August 29, 2023, presents a denser, almost cellular complexity. The image is a cluster of organic shapes that fill the frame with a sense of abundance. Whaley’s use of contrast here acts as a visual metaphor for the diversity of life, with each form distinct yet part of a greater whole. It speaks to the idea that within every fragment of nature, there exists a universe of form, function, and beauty. The proximity of the subject matter and the way it fills the frame suggests an immersive experience, as if the viewer is enveloped by the natural world.

Derrick Whaley’s “Connections” is a profound reminder of the intricate beauty that surrounds us, often unseen. His work transcends simple photographic representation, delving into the realms of abstraction and metaphor. As the exhibition concludes, visitors leave with a renewed sense of wonder for the natural world, a world that Whaley has not only captured but also reinterpreted through his lens. The “Connections” series is a testament to the unseen ties that bind every leaf, branch, and shadow – a visual homage to the complexity and resilience of the natural environment.

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