In 1974 a woman stood alone on the corner of a busy street, and for one moment everything disappeared as a photograph was taken. It was a moment – and an image – to bank a life on.
Forty years after he captured this photo, David Barbour has taken photographs in more than 40 countries. He is back in Ottawa for an exhibition, Home, to be displayed in the City Hall Art Gallery from Nov. 28, to Jan. 12.
The 32 photographs included in the exhibition represent Ottawa at night and were motivated by Barbour challenging himself to see his city differently.
“It’s a beautiful time to go out and explore this city, and you’re going to see things that are transformed because of the night,” says Barbour.
The photographs will be showcased in a darkened room.
Exhibitions at the City Hall Art Gallery are chosen each year by a panel of artists.
“It’s key for our community to give artists a chance,” says co-ordinator Meaghan Haughian.
Even in a city with a national arts scene, local galleries are important for emerging artists and more experienced artists like Barbour, says Taline Bedrossian, communications manager at the Ottawa Art Gallery.
“If there weren’t local galleries to support emerging artists, then these artists would never have a platform to jump off from to go to the national stage,” she says.
Barbour says he is challenging Ottawa residents to see their city – literally – in a new light.