Coastal Reflections is a stunning exhibition of photography featuring North Shore artists Sanam Khani and Trevor Schmidt. The West Vancouver Community Arts Council is thrilled to present this collection of artwork at the Kay Meek Arts Centre from May 24 to July 3.
The images created by these artists capture the natural world around us, but are more than typical ‘nature photography’. Through experimental techniques and strong points of view, Khani and Schmidt challenge our perceptions the natural world, asking us to reflect upon our own relationship with our surroundings and selves.
Sanam Khani’s series of photographs capture the reflections of local landscapes in the surfaces bodies of water. At times this creates a crisp and clear mirror image of a picturesque shoreline while in other instances there is a surreal dream-like merging of what can be seen above and below the water’s surface. Khani’s skilled and elegant representations of reflections are an inviting call to action for the viewer to take a moment and reflect upon their own views of the world – philosophically, culturally, politically, emotionally. An experienced multidisciplinary artist, Khani presents a strong metaphor for our need for self-reflection using serene images of actual reflections of nature we regularly find ourselves in.
Trevor Schmidt’s body of work transforms local landscapes into semi-abstract interpretations. Treating photography more like painting, Schmidt manipulates his camera settings and movements to play with light, clarity, colour and motion like an impressionist painter. Scenes of the sun setting on the Burrard Inlet or a wooded park shift, blur and stretch to become less of a precise depiction and more of a suggestion.
Photo by Sanam
Photo by Trevor
Breaking down subjects into their basic elements – colour, shape, value, texture – these works offer the viewer a primal and emotional interpretation of the world. A new artist, Schmidt possess a willingness to experiment that produces dynamic and colourful insinuations of the natural world that are up to the public to translate for themselves.
The Arts Council is pleased to share these talented artists’ work with the world. Our mission to provide opportunities for local artists was aided by partnering with the Kay Meek to program art exhibitions in both lobbies of the popular performing arts centre.
Exhibitions are determined through a call for submissions that are reviewed by a panel of professional artists. The panel had to look through dozens of submissions from an array of talented artists and narrow their selection down to just 9 that would be exhibited in 2022. Khani and Schmidt’s bodies of work immediately stood out for their distinctive points of view and unique approaches to the artform. They were paired together for their ability to elevate landscape photography into a means of expression and interpretation.
These artists have been able to connect as professionals and members of the North Shore art community, something the Arts Council hopes will occur when pairing artists for an exhibition.
More than images of local scenery, Khani and Schmidt intend to transform landscape photography from purely representational into artistic interpretations and mediations upon the lands and waters around us, and ultimately ourselves. Visitors to the Kay Meek are in for a transformative experience through this exhibition of beautiful and impactful photography.
Sanam Khani
IG — sanamkhani
“The harsh realities of our time, from inequalities we witness in our world, to the ongoing wars and the everyday struggles we face, all weigh down on us with little time for deep inner personal reflections, and for broader considerations about our species, the societies we live in, and the amazing planet we inhabit. We ourselves are the product of our experiences, as individuals, as a society, and as a people, with culture and history embedded in our beings. Who we are today is a reflection of our past and our given circumstances; our distinct variety of cultures are reflections of history and customs; and the current status of our planet is a consequence of its past and its encounters. The continuity and everlasting attributes of self-reflection constitute concrete and undeniable grounds for improvement and progression. Compassion, understanding, hope, and change arise from such reflections.” Sanam says.
Having travelled and lived in different parts of the world, and having been exposed to different cultures and ways of life with different economic and social conditions, Sanam has been able to further develop her artistic style using different mediums such as photography, short films, installations, and oil paintings. Sanam’s art has been displayed in different galleries in Vancouver, Tehran, and Doha.
Trevor Schmidt
IG — trevor.schmidt.artist
“If there exists a more calming place on this Earth than the ocean’s edge, or a vibrant rainforest, I haven’t yet found it. The sight and sound of waves moving in response to our sun and moon provide profound comfort, reflected again in the experience of a mindful forest walk. I capture and share these images with the hope that they, too, provide solace for the viewer.
I use my camera as a paintbrush, transforming the environment before me into works which further reveal the artistry within the terrestrial experience. All my photographs are created in-camera at the time of exposure.
As a long-time resident of Vancouver’s North Shore, I have a deep appreciation for Persian arts and culture. Some of my favorite artists – such as Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian, Ali Banisadr, and Nasrollah Kasraian – are true masters of their craft. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity to introduce my artwork to Canada’s distinguished Iranian community. My pieces are a natural fit for art buyers seeking elegant, dreamlike pieces for their collections.” Trevor says.
Trevor Schmidt is a self-taught abstract photographer. He lives and works on Canada’s west coast, in North Vancouver, where his art is inspired by and pays tribute to the coastal waters and rainforests of the Pacific Northwest.
