IKG Presents:
RICARDO OKARANZA: CALGARY NOCTURNES, LANES
Opening reception: Wednesday, June 24th, 6-8pm
Dates: June 24th-September 19th, 2009   
Venue: Illingworth Kerr Gallery (1407 14 Avenue NW)

Okaranza presents a collection of still-life photographs of downtown Calgary, shot at night over the summer of 2008. His focus is on forlorn, half forgotten spaces where the built environment has given space back to nature. There are no human forms in the richly textured works, but unexpected tufts of grass, struggling maple trees, and gravel alleys are combined to suggest an homage to once active spaces that avoided gentrification. These left over areas reflect modernity’s dependence on commerce and efficiency, while Okaranza’s images recognize the complex nature the city, both seen and unseen.

Ricardo Okaranza is a photographer and fine art conservastor from San Sebastien, Spain and currently based in Berlin.  His professional life has been spent observing and conserving medieval paintings, while extending his practice of observation to contemporary forms. Recent exhibitions include September Gallery (2009), Berlin; Wilde Gallery (2008), Berlin; Nuit Blanche Toronto (2008); Red Spot Art Fair (2008), New York; Miami Art Fair (2008); Palm Beach Art Fair (2008).  He is latest work includes a new commission in Edinburgh for 2010.