A New Dialectic

A New Dialectic photo book launch and exhibition was held at ACME ART STUDIOS, WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA in the USA throughout the month of August, 2014.James also gave an artists talk and presentation to the students and faculty of The University of North Carolina at Wilmington. James spoke about the nature of his research and practice. A letter from UNCW thanking James for his presentation is available as proof that this event was successful. The book/exhibition titled A New Dialectic, is part of James' ongoing research project into the aesthetics of landscape photography in the age of environmental awareness. This body of work raises questions about the aesthetic traditions of landscape photography, juxtaposing images that appeal to the Romantic traditions of the natural sublime with images that convey a world drastically altered by the impacts of social and industrial needs. These photographs where taken in two locations; Either in national parks and world heritage areas used by the hydroelectric industry or timber industry while visiting the island state of Tasmania, or in the Riverina, a rich agricultural area located in South Western NSW where James lives.This exhibition was attended by over 200 people and was well received by all. In addition to the sale of 19 photo books, a total of 14 limited edition prints were sold to private collections. Collections of note include the personal collection of Dr. Amy Kirschke - Professor and Chair of the UNCW Department of Art and Art History.Artist and Collector Mr. Billy Cone, of the Cone Family. Mr. Cone is the holder of the Billy Cone Collection, which is the 21st century extension of the Cone Collection, one of the most significant collections of modern art, currently held by the Baltimore Museum of Art and The University of North Carolina at Greensboro.