Fischer, Gene

Gene Fischer is a photographer from New York City. He works in Manhattan and has his studio in Woodstock, NY. “Winter Trees, Moons and Baptist Camp” at The Art Registry Gallery is Fischer’s first exhibition in Washington, DC. He has exhibited his work at Terra Nova, The Gallery at M2 in New York (2009) and Woodstock Byrdcliffe Guild in Woodstock, NY (2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009).

When you step into the gallery space and start the filmic journey through Fischer’s lens “Winter Trees, Moons and Baptist Camp” can be seen as three separate series or experienced as one body of work. Beginning with “Winter Trees” the viewer is transported to the beautiful horizons and vistas of the Catskill area of New York. Twilight is upon you and the deep blues of the sky mingle so effortlessly with the trees they penetrate. Daylight is coming to an end and the mood can be construed as either ominous or peaceful. Next come “Moons.” Fischer has captured his moons in intriguing compositions with textural elements offered by the scarce light and barren trees. He shows discipline with his precious subject and celebrates the rich negative space offered by the deep black night. The mood here is fierce or tranquil. The depth of perception and framing on these works make the objects sculptural. Lastly, “Baptist Camp” jolts the viewer to another dimension. Fischer photographs the architecture and surroundings of a desolate Baptist Camp in upstate New York. The images tell the story of discovery to departure. Have you been here before? The line, color and form in the photographs can be appreciated for their essential purpose of constructing the compositions but feelings of nostalgia, sadness, glee and disappointment are sure to take over as the viewer absorbs the work.