Maroon News

Issue date: 9/20/07 Section: Arts & Features

AUSTRALIAN PHOTO MONTAGE: The photos assembled by senior Joseph Madres explores Australia, Thailand and Indonesia, from nature scenes to the lights and buzz of cities.

While the cozy tables and comforting fare at the Barge might embody the homey, small-town feel of Hamilton, the photographs currently hanging on the walls give the familiar setting a much worldlier vibe. With senior Joseph Madres' framed collection of black and white and colored digital images entitled, "The World, Together and Alone," which will be displayed until October 12, viewers can travel to Australia, New Zealand, Thailand and Indonesia right from the solace of an armchair.

Madres, an Art major, had his self-portrait displayed in one of the Barge's monthly art shows last year. While he was abroad, his faculty advisor secured him another spot to exhibit the many photographs he would have when he returned from his travels.

"I have been photographing for most of my life," Madres said. "It is a big hobby of mine. I bought a brand new camera knowing I would use it."

Madres spent last semester studying at the University of Wollongong with the Colgate Australia Study group. While there, he took a course on photography and media arts that provided him with assignments to shoot in nearby areas. The photographs from one particular shoot at an amusement park are all printed in black and white and displayed in eight by ten inch frames on the right wall of the Barge.

Madres said the theme of the shoot was low light and motion, so he took all the pictures at sunset or at night with low shutter speeds. Included are shots of a Ferris wheel, a hot food stand, and Madres' family members looking out over the harbor during a visit. Displayed on the opposite wall in color is a large, haunting clown-head that stood at the entrance of Luna Park.

"I am fascinated with amusement parks," Madres said. "To me they represent the dark underbelly of entertainment."

Madres also captured many parts of Australia outside Luna Park, including boats on the harbor and the famous Opera house in Sydney, a cluster of tables in the financial district, steep canyons, and the tide effect on a beach in Darwin.

Displayed as well are pictures Madres took while visiting New Zealand over spring break. These shots include an overgrown field and broken fence, an illuminated bridge, and a floating pelican. For one particularly scenic shot, entitled "From the Bridge," Madres had to climb down underneath the bridge onto a wooden platform suspended 100 feet in the air.

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