Photo Gallery Opening: It All Came So Close to Never Happening

Photographer Anthony Kurtz is set to exhibit It All Came So Close to Never Happening, a pair of intertwined photographic stories where the outcomes of human uprisings, or the lack thereof, result in a futuristic portrayal of a world gone wrong. Dickerman Prints Gallery will be hosting a public opening reception on Wednesday, March 10, 2010 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. at 3180 17th Street, San Francisco, and the exhibition will be open on weekdays through April 30, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Through romanticized, dark, bold and evocative imagery, Kurtz blurs the line between fiction and reality while drawing on themes of marginalization, conformity, mass-privatization and environmental degradation.

One photographic story, The Human Uprising, follows the mass mobilization of common men becoming modern-day heroes in a struggle of ideals and power. It is a tale of solidarity, resistance, revolution and of a common realization that the future of mankind is at stake.

Concurrently, The World of Tomorrow presents a possible aftermath: a romantic and haunting vision of a post-apocalyptic future seen through the lens of stormy skies, deserted cities and abandoned industry.

Taxi magazine said of Kurtz’s work, “Distinct beauty can be seen in Anthony’s portfolio of wonderful imagery that tugs on the human heart and gnaws on the human conscious, calling for awareness of one's own existence, thoughts, and surroundings.”

Together, the images presented in It All Came So Close to Never Happening read like cinematic stills or panels from a graphic novel: a hyperrealistic view of the world that contains a sense of mystery, sadness, beauty and romanticism.

To create this alternate reality, Kurtz digitally retouches his original photos by playing with shadow, light and color to form a vibrant mix of documentary and fine art. The resulting images challenge viewers to understand the human condition in modern times and decide if they should be concerned or fascinated by this possible glimpse into our society’s future.

Anthony Kurtz’ Web site is located at: http://anthonykurtz.com/