‘Solitude:’ Fine Art Photographs Of

Paul R. Berger At Danbury City Hall

DANBURY — The Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut (formerly HVCA) is presenting “Solitude,” a fine arts photography exhibit featuring the work of Paul R. Berger of Newtown, at Danbury City Hall, until December 6.

The exhibit will be presented on the third floor.  City Hall hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:30 am to 6 pm.

A reception with the photographer will be held on Thursday, November 15, from 4:30 to 6. Light refreshments will be served.

Mr Berger’s interest in photography began with the gift of a Polaroid camera when he was a young child.  That interest has continued throughout his life. Increasingly rare among photographers these days, Mr Berger still shoots all film using either his Pentax 6 x 7 medium format camera or his Canon FTb 35 mm.

“Fortunately,” says Mr Berger, “there are still a number of very good films to choose from, rich in detail with very fine grain.”

While acknowledging that shooting film makes the overall process somewhat slower, he is very satisfied with the results he gets with film.

“Film requires that I put a little more thought into the individual compositions, and be more disciplined with what I am exposing,” said the photographer, whose work tends to focus on natural situations, although some man-made subjects certainly catch his interest.

“My photographic goal has always been to uncover the more unique and intriguing arrangements of visual circumstances that speak to the character of a place,” explains Mr Berger.  He is not a big believer in image processing software to dramatically change or enhance photographs.  “My prints are true to what was in front of the lens when I took the picture. And I think you can appreciate the value of that authenticity when you see the images in this show.”

Mr Berger grew up in Kentucky, went to high school in Fairfield, and graduated from Emory University in Atlanta, Ga. He received his masters in communications from Fairfield University.

His photographs have appeared in a variety of venues in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont.

In addition to photography, Mr Berger is a freelance writer and video producer.

He has a work included in “The 2nd Annual Affordable Art Exhibit: Photography,” an exhibition on view at The Gallery at Still River Editions, 128 East Liberty Street in Danbury, until December 25. The invitational group exhibition of archival digital print features work by 16 Connecticut artists and one artist from New Jersey.

The photographs were archivally printed at Still River Editions. Each measures 16 by 20 inches, and each is priced at $100.

The focus of the Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut, based in Danbury, is to advocate, promote and support the work of creative resources in this part of the state. The organization directs its services to independent artists of all disciplines and to arts, history and cultural organizations small and large.