Amidst the hustle and bustle of Denverites out to pick up garden plants and flowers for Mother’s Day on Friday afternoon, a hidden gem entrances visitors into the Gates Garden Court Gallery of the Denver Botanic Gardens. Even many of the employees were befuddled about it, but this exhibit is not one to miss.
The exhibit is entitled “Signs of Life” and consists of a series of photograms by distinguished nature photographer Robert Buelteman in collaboration with Walker Fine Art. These images are not created with a camera but rather use a distinctive technique called chromogenic development.
In order to create these photograms, Buelteman uses the living pathways of plant cells to create an electricity path he sends through them, generating light and color throughout the plant image, according to his website.
The images take up a small space in the back of the Gates building but they fill up the room dynamically and beautifully. They depict different flowers, such as the Golden Columbine and Eucalyptus, although some look more like abstract geometric figures. They appear to be electrified, with soft illuminations showing through from behind the plants and what appear to be electric currents running through the stems.
According to their website, the Botanic Gardens compares Buelteman’s work to ink brush painting or improvisational jazz, where “every delivery of light, like every brush stroke or note played, is unrehearsed, and once played, cannot be undone.”
The abstract pieces bring out vivid neon colors from the flowers and depict them in a way most viewers have not experienced.
“I thought the exhibit was breathtaking. Buelteman’s use of negative space and light created photographs that were vibrantly stunning,” said Haley VanCamp, a sophomore Emergent Digital Practices major from Grand Junction, Colorado, after experiencing the exhibit.
Buelteman is the creator of over fifteen photographic portfolios, three of which are made up of this unique photogram style. More of Buelteman’s photograms and photographs can be viewed on his website.
With the weather getting warmer and students looking for a quick break from late midterms and finals studying, dynamic exhibits like this are an ideal weekend excursion for a Saturday or Sunday afternoon—while also exposing students to new cultural aspects of Denver.
“It is important for college students to experience exhibits off campus because of the cultural experience it provides. The city of Denver has so much to offer and most of what is being produced out there can only be seen off campus,” said VanCamp.
This exhibit is not the only exciting opportunity happening at the Botanic Gardens this summer and not the only reason to go check it out. The gardens host numerous events, including a concert series, featuring artists like the Barenaked Ladies on August 1, Sara Bareilles on August 2 and Sheryl Crow on August 13.
The gardens also feature 21+ activities like Unwind Nights which take place on Thursdays throughout the summer with drinks, entertainment and sneak peeks at upcoming exhibits. One more of their summertime activities is Sunrise Vinyasa Yoga in the Gardens every Tuesday and Thursday in June. For even more events visit their website.
The Signs Of Life exhibit held its grand opening with a reception and artist talk on Wednesday, May 7, but will run through the summer, ending August 3. Signs of Life runs from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Admission is $9 with a student ID.
