Exploring the Depths of Humanity: Hanson's Photographic Art

Featured image: Flesh and Bones, Dave Hanson, 2022, photography, 13 x 18 in. / 33.02 x 45.72 cm.

Dave Hanson's 2023 photographic series is a captivating deep dive into the intersection of temporality and eternity.

Dave Hanson is a contemporary photographer known for his evocative images that explore themes of life, death, and human emotions through techniques like motion blur and chiaroscuro.

The three works, "Flesh, Bones and Energy," "Gabrielle," and "Sorrow," are exquisite examples of modern photographic art that skillfully intertwine with the historical context of visual storytelling. Each piece is a 13 x 18-inch window into the soul, inviting a critical discourse on the universal human experience.

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Flesh, Bones and Energy, Dave Hanson, 2023, photography, 13 x 18 in. / 33.02 x 45.72 cm.

Transient Impressions in "Flesh, Bones and Energy" In "Flesh, Bones and Energy," Hanson exemplifies the fleeting nature of human life contrasted with the permanence of our skeletal remains. The blur of movement against the stillness of the skull is a powerful representation of the art term 'vanitas,' a reflection on the vanity of life. The technique of motion blur is masterfully used to evoke the passage of time—a key element in fine art photography—while the skull serves as a stark memento mori, a reminder of mortality that has been a focal point in art since the Renaissance.

Gabrielle, Dave Hanson, 2023, photography, 13 x 18 in. / 33.02 x 45.72 cm.

The Serenity of "Gabrielle" "Gabrielle" is a serene pause in Hanson's triptych, depicting a figure with angelic wings in a moment of repose. The photograph could be seen as a nod to Renaissance portraiture, yet it is decidedly contemporary in its execution. The chiaroscuro lighting technique used here is critical in creating depth and volume, an art term associated with the work of Old Masters but here it is repurposed to accentuate modern themes of resilience and inner peace.

Sorrow, Dave Hanson, 2023, photography, 13 x 18 in. / 33.02 x 45.72 cm.

Exploring Anguish in "Sorrow" "Sorrow" is a visceral portrayal of emotional pain, with a composition that speaks to the term 'expressionism'—an art movement characterized by the depiction of subjective emotions. Hanson's use of stark contrast and blurred lines conveys a sense of turmoil and chaos, a direct visual translation of the title. It echoes the works of the Expressionists, yet stands firmly within the realm of contemporary photography, discussing the theme of human struggle.

Dave Hanson's series challenges the viewer to explore beneath the surface of human existence. The photographs are not merely images but are conversations on life, death, and the emotions in between. Hanson's work is rich with references to art movements and techniques, from vanitas to expressionism, all while forging a distinct path in modern photography.

His ability to evoke such powerful themes within an image still is a testament to his skill as a contemporary artist. We reflect on the enduring power of photography to capture the intangible and provoke thought. Hanson's "Flesh, Bones and Energy," "Gabrielle," and "Sorrow" are more than images; they are timeless narratives that resonate with the viewer, long after the initial glance.

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Ascension, Dave Hanson, 2019, photography, 13 x 18 in. / 33.02 x 45.72 cm.