July 16, 2003
By Lauren Hills
DANCE is a montage of movement, expression and energy, preserved in the memory and remembered on a personal level by audience and performer. Now that magic has been captured in a photographic exhibition, "Still Movement".
John Hogg and Suzy Bernstein have sensitively and beautifully captured moments of movement in their photography and the prints are currently on display at the MuseuMAfricA, Newtown.
Each photograph is vivid and excitingly beautiful - and a paradox. The blurring lines, contrasting colours, the shadows and light are essentially still within the frame of the photograph. But each frame bursts with energy and the motion is undeniable: a taut body, sprung tight, coiled in motion, expressing something that could be missed with the blink of an eye.
Hogg and Bernstein are keeping the art of contemporary dance alive through a new medium.
Hogg is a widely respected South African press photographer, working for The Star newspaper for many years. Although he has recorded many of the momentous events of South Africa's history, it is his experience as a dancer - he retired in 1991 - that is put to good effect here. Hogg has combined his talent and experience as a photographer with his knowledge of dance to capture the retrospective of this performing art on every level.
An experienced media worker, Bernstein has worked in film and still photography. Her photographs reflect her vast knowledge of the genres of documentary and dance.
Both Hogg and Bernstein have a sensitive understanding of dance and photography. It is this intimate relationship with their subject that gives them the ability to hold on to the motion within a still frame.
This exhibition reflects the essence of the annual FNB dance umbrellas as well as other live dance performances around South Africa. Hogg and Bernstein sit front row and expertly retain the spirit of live performance.
The exhibition is on at MuseuMAfricA, 121 Bree Street, Newtown Johannesburg from 13 July to 24 August.
The photographs, unmounted and unframed, are available for purchase and are priced according to their sizes. Small prints cost R750, 00, medium sized prints are R1000,00 and large prints are R1250,00.
John Hogg can be contacted on 083 325 3283 or by email on jho@star.co.za.
Suzy Bernstein can be contacted on 082 445 1952 or (011) 646 9453 or by email at suzyb@artslink.co.za
