21 January – 4 March 2012
Public opening: 20 January, 5.30-7.30pm, Gallery talk: 21 January, 2.30pm
Shetland Arts is delighted to announce that the work of eminent local photographer Dennis Coutts will be showcased at Bonhoga Gallery for the first exhibition of 2012 on Friday 20th January. Dennis has been photographing Shetland's society for over 60 years and his work is a fascinating catalogue of life throughout the islands. For this exhibition work has been selected from the 1960s and represents Shetland in the pre-oil era.
The exhibition will appeal to anyone with an interest in the stories and characters from this period in Shetland's history. While life was very different then, these stunning black and white photographs reflect a character of life in Shetland which is timeless and remains in many ways unchanged today.
Dennis worked as a commercial photographer from his studio on The Street, combining press photography with family portraiture, social reportage and his own interests in natural history and the landscape. Dennis' incredible talent for photography - particularly portraiture - is highlighted by the quality of composition, at a time when the art of photography was quite different to that of the digital age today.
All the photographs in the exhibition have been hand-printed by Dennis' son, John, using traditional darkroom processes and are for sale, mounted and signed by Dennis. This is a rare opportunity to obtain a traditional print from this unique archive.
Everyone is welcome to the opening of the exhibition on 20th January from 5.30-7.30pm. Dennis will be giving a short talk about his work in the gallery on Saturday 21st January at 2.30pm, which will provide an opportunity to hear some of the fascinating tales of Dennis' life, career and the subjects of his work. The talk is free, no booking required.