Cover: Brooke Shaden, Surging Tides, Photo on Velvet FineArt Paper, 20 x 20 in. Ed. of 10
HAPPY ACCIDENTS
JoAnneArtmanGalleryispleasedtopresent Happy Accidents,a collection of previously unexhibited photographs by Brooke Shaden. Titled for unexpected good that follows mishap, the exhibitionreflectsonShaden’sevolutioninbothherartistryand life.
Blending nature and grief, Shaden’s work explores the unsettlingcornersofthemindwithimagesthatareemotionally intelligent,chillinglydirect,andvisuallyhaunting.Inspiredbya childhoodofintensefears,andlaterbythehard-wonlessonsof learning to say goodbye to her foster children, Shaden’s photographselicithopewhilenevershyingawayfromdarkness.
Many of Shaden’s images are created on location. Immersing herself in nature and integrating the Northern Arizona landscape has become essential to her process. Her practice is largely solitary self-portraiture, allowing herself to be the character and the creator at once. The impactful compositions are created through color, scale, and perspective adjustments.
Building the final image through digital editing, Shaden represents the breathtaking visuals attainable through a fine-tunedmanipulationofthephotographymedium.Theresult are scenes that resemble paintings and speak of an era that is notourown.
Guidedbythebeliefthatembracingtransientmomentsleadsto fulfillment, much of Shaden’s imagery focuses on how we can find beauty in grief by learning to release our attachments. Featuring both recently completed and archived pieces, Happy Accidents navigates the challenging themes of life, death, identity, and transformation through an unanticipated, optimisticlens.
Brooke Shaden’s work will inspire, provoke, engage and mesmerize. With visual perceptions always changing, peek behind the stories told and you're sure to find the right artistic expression.
Chasing, Photo on Velvet FineArt Paper, 10 x 10 in. Ed. of 15
Fingernails Stained With Mud, Photo on Velvet FineArt Paper, 10 x 10 in. Ed. of 15
Overgrown, Photo on Velvet FineArt Paper, 10 x 10 in. Ed. of 15
The Place Where Secrets Sleep, Photo on Velvet FineArt Paper, 10 x 10 in. Ed. of 15
Rising Up, Photo on Velvet FineArt Paper, 10 x 10 in. Ed. of 15
To Old Gods, Photo on Velvet FineArt Paper, 10 x 10 in. Ed. of 15
Smallness, Photo on Velvet FineArt Paper, 20 x 20 in. Ed. of 10
Published in conjunction with the exhibition: HAPPY ACCIDENTS: Brooke Shaden Fall 2024
JoAnneArtman Gallery
326 N Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA92651
346 N Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA92651
511AW 22nd St, NewYork, NY10011
Catalogue © JoAnneArtman Gallery
Artwork © Brooke Shaden