Argument and Creation

The aim of an argument, or of a discussion, should not be victory but progress. — Karl Popper

Collaboration is a conversation that explores, advances, and transforms the creative process. Thirteen Arguments is a dialogue between plant-based Lumen Prints made by Phyllis Schwartz and Scanographs of spent botanicals by Edward Peck.

The Argument emerging in this body of work is about the concept of beauty, what is deemed to be discardable and degrees of abstraction. Both artists work with botanicals that many would say no longer hold beauty, yet the work seems to refute this notion and bring out the elegance of what is normally discarded. Elements of abstraction feature prominently in both artist practices. Schwartz abstracts form, colour and tone into compositions that transcend the original form of the botanicals. Peck moves in a different direction to portray things larger than life and in non-conventional compositional presentations.

The essential argument between both bodies of work emerges from Sassamatt Studio discussions around alternative process and hybrid approaches to image making and how to bridge the gap between analogue and digital photographic techniques. Both artists explore how the photographic process can be used to create compositions, which although photographic in nature appear painterly or as printmaking. The works go beyond technique to address life cycles and impermanence.