Weyburn's Chris Borshowa is not your typical photographer. After only a short time, he has already been able to create a style that is distinctly his own. Borshowa's combination of passion for photography and love for all things weird and wonderful has led him to create the 19-piece exhibit entitled "Obscure", which will be featured at the Signal Hill Art Gallery November 3 to December 30.
Borshowa, owner of Phantasma Photography, received inspiration for his pieces while listening to the band "In This Moment". The music can be described as dramatic and perhaps even weird and unconventional, and his photographs are a reflection of that. Each piece was created by twisting and manipulating real objects and applying a dark, whimsical feel in post-editing. Similarities can be drawn between the style of Chris' photos and that of movie director Tim Burton, an icon that inspires him.
Chris encourages viewers to approach the exhibit with a clear, open mind and to keep connected to the feelings that each piece evokes, rather than focusing on the object within the photo. Instead of over-thinking, the purpose behind each piece is to "feel" and be "in the moment".
With such a relatively short career in photography, it appears that Borshowa is well on his way to making a name for himself in the photography industry. His first public piece appeared in last year's James Weir People's Choice exhibit. The colourful, abstract photo he chose to submit was voted among the top 10 in the annual exhibition. It was Chris' participation in the People's Choice that led curator Ron Ror to approach him about holding his own exhibit. Almost a year in the planning, "Obscure" is finally becoming a reality.
Another benchmark in Borshowa's rapidly developing exposure in the local art scene was his participation in Art Farm II this spring. Chris has carved a niche for himself among this group of local artists and also belongs to Weyburn Arts Council.
A public reception will be held at Signal Hill Art Gallery on November 6 at 7:00 p.m. The evening will include refreshments and a raffle for one of the pieces on display.
For more information regarding Chris, check out his website at http://chris2thefur.wix.com/phantasmaphotography.
