Landscapes of Vancouver at Yaletown Gallery

If you've spent much time trawling the pages of Beyond Robson, you're sure to have noticed the overwhelming amount of great photography. Each morning, readers of the site are treated to at least one stellar photograph from the wonderful Beyond Robson flickr group, as chosen by our resident newshound Sean Orr (who is a prolific photographer in his own right -- check out his beautiful collection here). We live in a city of stunning views and under-supported artists; facts that have led to a profusion of brilliant digital photographers, online portfolios, and city-based flickr pools.

It's a modern luxury for any avid fan of photography, this ability to surf through reams of photographs online by our favourite photographers, adding comments and following hyperlinks to suggested views. As nice as it is to browse through photos in the comfort of one's home (or office?), it's a process far removed from the traditional art world. No longer forced to stand ponderously in front of framed pieces on a gallery walls, it's hard to deny that something is lost in the speed of online art consumption.

Beginning tonight, the Yaletown Gallery is giving photo-lovers a chance to slow down as they present Landscapes of Vancouver. The exhibit offers a chance to view the work of some Vancouver flickr staples in a more 'conventional' gallery setting, including prints by some of Beyond Robson's more frequent photographic contributers. Details after the jump...

Local lensmen like John Alexander, Matt Simpson, and Simon Clarke (who was previously featured in our Best Photographers of 2007) have been consistent supporters of the community and regular providers to our site's photo pool. They, along with 16 other flickr favourites, were asked questions like 'What does the Vancouver landscape mean to you?', 'Do you think Vancouver has a soul?' and 'What provokes you?'. The subsequent photography is bound to be compelling, and the framed prints will debut tonight from 7:30-9:30, showing at the gallery until March 16.

Local blogger Miss 604 threw up a post about the show on Tuesday, where photographer Rachael Ashe chimed in with a rundown of links to the personal portfolios of many of the photographers showing work at the gallery. Follow the link to ensure a photographic overdose... but keep in mind that such easily viewed online portfolios are an entirely modern development.

Over the past decade, digital cameras and the internet have completely altered the photographic world as artists can have their work seen and commented upon mere minutes after the aperture shuts (or photoshop render completes). While the time saving, democratic benefits of online photography are clear, one can't forget that the digitization and 'flickrization' of art has come at a price. Although fans like myself now have access to hundreds upon hundreds of photographs at the click of a mouse, what we've gained in quantity we've arguably lost in quality of appreciation, never really giving any one piece the attention it rightfully demands. If you want to take it all the way, many would argue we've become wannabe art-lovers; victims of a lightning fast, no-attention-span, internet obsessed culture...

I'm definitely exaggerating for effect, but that's basically the reason why I'll be seizing the opportunity to fully appreciate some of the beautiful photographers I've been all-too-briefly admiring online. From late-night viewings and between-work breaks, it's clear that some of the local 'flickr photographers' are doing brilliant things and I can't wait to linger over their prints on a gallery wall, giving them the time and focus they deserve.

The opening is tonight from 7:30-9:30 and the exhibit runs until March 16th

The Yaletown Gallery is located at 123-1208 Homer street (at Davie) open Tuesday-Saturday, Noon-5:00

header photo by John Alexander, tree & snow shot by Simon Clarke; both members of the BR flickr group with pieces in the exhibit