‘‘Paint and Pixels’’, Jenny Longstaff (Moray Gallery)
AS the name suggests, ‘‘Paint and Pixels’’ is two exhibitions within one, showing both photographic manipulations and paintings by Jenny Longstaff.
Longstaff’s photographic work makes considerable use of computer programs such as Photoshop. By skilful use of these tools, the artist creates kaleidoscopic patterns from single images. Photographs in which complex patterns and strong contrast are present provide the best sources, notably in images such as Frosted Ferns.
Other fernrelated images, such as Fated to Fade, have been tiled to create strong rhythms reminiscent of tukutuku panels. Traditional styles are also invoked by the almost tapalike repetitions in Longstaff’s ‘‘Net Knit’’ series.
Alongside these works sit the paintings, many of them also based on photographic originals. The majority of these pieces have a vague stainedglass feel to them, with areas of colour separated by thick black lines. This is at its strongest in the ‘‘Plant Series’’ of works such as
Succulents. Three works stand out from the paintings: the mapbased Breathing Space and two meditative — and far more naturalistic — studies of lakeside trees.
The artist has given extensive information about her thought processes in creating the works, which is fascinating, but perhaps removes a little of the air of mystery from the pieces.