Collection: “Diana” Camera Images by Gary Steven Groves
Before filters, there was the Diana, a toy camera. Gary Steven Groves was one of many photographers who took advantage of its flaws to produce beautiful images. He studied photography at the San Francisco Art Institute and graduated in 1984 with a BFA in Photography.
The camera was cheaply produced in Hong Kong in the 60’s. It was so cheap that in the U.S. in the 70’s it was used as a giveaway novelty item in gas stations, sales conventions, restaurants, and pizza parlors. It met its demise when Kodak came on the scene.
Gary learned about the camera in school and started experimenting with it. “The Diana gives a Pictorial effect to black and white photography with a soft and impressionistic effect,” says Gary in response to why he still uses the camera. The cheap plastic meniscus lens, ill-fitting parts, and other issues cause light leaks, uneven light, and circular impressions that create dramatic effects.
The images in this exhibition have that dreamy quality and reflect Gary’s interest in the environment specifically in trees. He creates a layered effect of the final image by using the double exposure technique. The final product on the wall is an archival pigment print.
Gary Steve Groves (b. 1955) is a photographer, a painter, and an art dealer living in New Jersey. He is known for abstract configuration, landscape, and collage photography. The exhibit will open on Thursday, March 7th, 2024, 6 - 8 p.m. and close on April 11th, 2024. Light refreshments will be served. Free and open to the public.
