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Alternative Take On Photography Leads To Exhibition

A first year photography student from Cleveland College of Art & Design (CCAD) is already making his mark with an exhibition of his works at an arts gallery on Teesside.

18-year old Marius Hanzak from Helsby in Cheshire, is currently studying for his BA (Hons) Photography at the north east specialist arts and design college and recently submitted a series of images to the Palace Arts Gallery in Redcar.

Titled ‘Alternative Photographies’, the exhibition features a series of photographic displays from international, regional and local artists which are ‘different’ to conventional photography in some way, whether that be images created using traditional methods, or presented in an unusual way.

After being informed about the exhibition through the College’s Facebook page, Marius submitted a series of images of the coastline in and around the area he grew up in, including Crosby beach in Liverpool. However, it is the treatment that Marius has given the images that has made them ‘alternative’, as he took the landscape images using only infra-red light.

Marius was delighted to have his work accepted by the arts venue, and although it is a little too far for his family to visit, plenty of his friends have already been to the exhibition.

He said: “This is my first exhibit in a gallery and it feels brilliant. The other artists in the exhibition are older and much more experienced, which was a little intimidating at first, but it feels really good to be alongside such amazing work.

“I hope to be able to exhibit more of my work during the three-year course at CCAD, and there are plenty of opportunities put forward by the College, from local venues like Hartlepool Art Gallery down to galleries such as the Coningsby Gallery in London.

Although not originally from the north east, the photography student loves the Teesside area and is enjoying his course. “Teesside is very much like parts of the North West, with its industrial heritage and coastline, the only difference being the accent! The college is friendly, with plenty of tutor time, and the technician demonstrators are so helpful.”

In addition to setting up a career as a photographer, Marius is hoping to go into teaching photography part time once he graduates alongside his own photography practice, and is currently working during the holidays at his local sixth form college to build up experience.

Antony Chambers, Photography Lecturer at CCAD, said: “We actively encourage students to exhibit their works and showcase their talents, so we are delighted that Marius’ photographs are on show for all to enjoy.

“Even though this is only his first year, I think Marius will do very well and he is certainly driven in his goals. We have a really high standard of students this year, with a mix of mature and younger students from all over the country, and so Marius has set the bar really high.”

Curator Mark Hickson said: “Palace Arts aims to support artists at all stages of their careers. We are always pleased to be able to hang the work of promising beginners such as Marius alongside that of more experienced practitioners and encourage the mutually beneficial discourse which ensues.”

The exhibition is open until 15 March 2015.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Kathryn Clapham .