Patrick Planter Photography Exhibition

Patrick Planter Photography Exhibition 
 

When Form Shifts: New Shapes Emerge

Hosted by Botaki Factory Collective, Zurich
Curator and writer Andile Magengelele

‘You want to know my history? Ask the sea’ – Derek Walcott

In a world that is in constant flux, there is something solid about black and white photography.  The absence of colour can reveal meaning, capturing life as it happens – unfiltered and at times unexpected. When Form Shifts: New Shapes Emerge, Patrick Planter’s recent photography exhibition is a pure interplay between light and shadow, making hist black and white images so powerful.  Stripped of colour his photographs rely on contract, light and emotion to tell a story.  His compositions are shaped by expressive lighting – revealing a deeper meaning.  Planter’s work documents not just people, but emotion and spirit of the time, presence and place. The timelessness and allure of the photographs transcend trends, capturing the resilience of Black life, challenging dominant narratives and creating a more nuanced and authentic portrayal. Planter’s photographs, to borrow a line from Bell Hooks, “affirms a black experience and provides a counter-narrative tp the dehumanising images of black people prevalent in mainstream media.” For him photography is a compelling narrative of power and self definition.

Patrick Planter was born in Jamaica, where he grew in a society that faced socio-economic and social upheavals. Amidst all the challenges he grew up surrounded by a rich culture, but also the vibrancy of its people, which shaped his artistic trajectory and identity.
In his seminal essay, Stuart Hall, a Jamaican British Marxist sociologist, grapples with the identities of the Caribbean, arguing that it is not a fixed, essentialized entity, but rather dynamic “production” that is “never complete, always in process, and always constitutes within, not outside, presentation.”  The exhibition “When Form Shifts: New Shapes Emerge” features both familiar and neve-before-seen photographs, including new images from his ongoing Shades Series. Planter currently lives in Zurich, where he continues his practice as a photographer and is a member of the Botaki Art Collective.

About Bokati Factory Collective
The Botaki Factory vision encompasses a dynamic and inclusive usage concept that transcends the boundaries of traditional art spaces. Besides a visual art studio, we use the space for exhibitions and literary/educational events, to promote artists, community engagement, cultural exchange and inclusivity. The studio is a space for artists from diverse cultural backgrounds, providing a range of art supplies, tools, and equipment to explore various mediums and techniques freely.
 
Botaki Factory curates regular exhibitions within the space, showcasing the evolving works of resident artists. These exhibitions are open to the public, promoting local talent and encouraging dialogue between artists and the interested public. We cater to multimedia artists and filmmakers, offering space for the creation and showcasing of multimedia projects and films. Collaborative projects that blend visual arts, music, and multimedia are encouraged, fostering a multidisciplinary approach to creativity.
 
Botaki Factory Collective recognizes the importance of literary arts and education. We organise various literary activities, including poetry readings, book launches, and writing workshops. Educational initiatives extend to art workshops, lectures, and skill-building classes, making art accessible to individuals of all ages and backgrounds. We engage with the local community, we host community art projects and open the studio, we also invite residents to actively participate in the artistic process. Interactive installations are part of the creative space, encouraging visitors to immerse themselves in art and express their creativity.
 
The Botaki Factory is a transformative space that blurs the lines between art creation, exhibition, performance, and education. We provide an accessible, welcoming, and vibrant space for creativity and cultural exchange and thereby contribute to Zurich's dynamic arts scene.

BF Artists / Members:
Juice Visual Artist / Poet - Thabiso Phepeng Visual Artist / Marvin Kangsen Visual Artist / Patrick Planter Photographic Artist / Andile Magengelele Curator / Exhibition  maker Davina Gokool Member / Marlon Printer /Musician Stephanie Briers Member