‘Phenomena of Nature’ video, photo installation opens at The Link community art space at The Warehouse

‘Phenomena of Nature’ video, photo installation opens at The Link community art space at The Warehouse December 15, 2006Elaine Quick

“Phenomena of Nature,” a video and photographic installation by Cathryn Lahm, local artist and senior art photography major in the College of Visual and Performing Arts, is now on view at The Link community art space at The Warehouse, 350 W. Fayette St. The installation is free and open to the public Tuesday-Saturday from noon-6 p.m. through Dec. 23.

The Link is one of three community art spaces programmed by The Warehouse Gallery. It is located on the ground floor of The Warehouse, in front of the Architecture Reading Room.

Reminiscent of early video experiments, Lahm has stripped her source images of their original context, leaving the viewer with a dynamic play of black-and-white shapes and patterns. Lahm offers subtle clues to the original, natural environment she recorded, leaving digital flames, visual static and undulating camouflage.

“I have always been fascinated by the phenomena sunlight creates: the patterns, shapes and reflections on and through various surfaces. It’s nature’s way of creating art. I find an instinctive, spiritual harmony in the dancing of light and shadow,” Lahm says. “With this video, I’ve attempted to link organic forms and to create cohesiveness and ambiguity through the process of desaturation. The photographs printed from the video represent the emotions and spirit I experienced while making `Phenomena of Nature.'”

Lahm was born in St. Louis. After living in several U.S. cities and having careers in sports management and nursing, she moved to Syracuse to pursue her childhood dream of becoming an artist. She will complete her B.F.A. requirements in art photography in May 2007.

For more information, visit http://www.thewarehousegallery.org.