Wind River 1997

Editor: So, this is Bremner Benedict’s "Wind River," its date is unknown. It's a stark black and white photograph of what appears to be a tipi encampment. The high contrast gives it a somewhat ominous feel. What strikes you about its composition? Curator: The severe tonal range certainly dictates the visual hierarchy. Notice how the near-black foreground presses against the lighter, ethereal forms of the tipis, creating a visual tension. This juxtaposition, amplified by the texture, generates a compelling dialogue. Editor: Dialogue, interesting. What kind of dialogue do you mean? Curator: The tension between representation and abstraction. The subject is recognizable, but the handling of light and shadow pushes it toward the abstract, a visual play between presence and absence. Editor: I hadn't thought about that tension. Now I see how the contrast contributes to the overall unsettling effect. Curator: Indeed. Considering the materiality, the photographic medium becomes integral to the experience. We are confronted with both the image and its inherent qualities. Editor: Thanks! That's given me a completely different perspective on how to look at Benedict's work.