They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but even that hyperbole doesn't do justice to the ability of photography to transcend language. With a single image — or two or three images juxtaposed — a photographer can convey a story (not to mention the tantalizing absence of one), or evoke an emotional response in an instant. In an exhibit opening this Friday at C. Emerson Fine Arts, visitors have to contend with 11 artists who are expertly fluent in the language of film and photography, each in his or her own style. From Ric Savid's portraits of Philippine women (one competing for the camera's attention with a larger-than-life Britney Spears in an advertisement behind her) to Diana Lucas Leavengood's abstract triptych of light and motion, the exhibit suggests that the language of film encompasses many different and equally worthy dialects. Also featuring David Audet, Michael Conway, Corey George, Lew Harris, Beth Reynolds, Craig Robinson, Margaret Steward, James Walker, and Joe Walles. Film Lingual I, opens with a reception from 6 to 9 p.m. Fri., Aug. 10, with the works on display through Sept. 22, 909 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, free admission, 727-898-6068, c-emersonfinearts.com.
This article appears in Aug 8-14, 2007.