Barry Games Art Exhibition
On the evening of November 8, 2024, Salmon Arm’s creative community came alive as Atelier - A Way of Being, opened its doors to host the Barry Games Art Exhibition. Located at Unit 1, #321 Hudson Ave NE, across the street from Ricochet Brewing, the gallery buzzed with excitement, warmth, and admiration for both the artist and the gallery’s vision. The Dark Room Studio had the privilege of capturing this special evening—one that truly celebrated art and connection.
Behind the Lens: Documenting an Unforgettable Evening
Photographing the opening night wasn’t just about capturing moments; it was about immersing ourselves in the energy and spirit of the event. From the moment we stepped inside the gallery, we were drawn to Barry’s electrifying art. His bold geometric patterns and kaleidoscopic colors infused the space with life, providing endless opportunities for visually stunning shots.
We aimed to document the night from multiple perspectives: the wide-eyed wonder of guests encountering Barry’s work for the first time, the intimate exchanges between art enthusiasts, and the quiet moments of reflection as people paused to take in the vibrant details of each piece.
Through our lenses, we also sought to highlight the interplay between the artwork, the gallery, and the community. One of our favorite moments was capturing the view from the street: the glowing windows of the gallery framed the vibrant artwork and the mingling guests, creating an inviting beacon for Salmon Arm’s downtown.
Barry J. Games: Art Born from Chaos
Barry J. Games’ artwork is a journey through color, memory, and resilience. Inspired by his childhood experiences of finding creativity amidst bombsites, Barry’s pieces blend personal storytelling with universal themes of hope and imagination. His artist statement, displayed at the gallery, struck a chord with attendees:
"Walking along in the chaos of the bombsites, I remember kicking at the debris, making it move and change, creating little sculptures. Those joyful days playing in the midst of total carnage are the inspiration for all my art."
The audience was captivated not only by the visual impact of his paintings but by the deeper meaning behind them. As photographers, it was a privilege to capture moments when guests stood transfixed by the stories woven into his work.
Atelier - A Way of Being: A Vision for Community and Creativity
Atelier - A Way of Being, owned by Ian McTavish, has already established itself as a cornerstone of Salmon Arm’s art scene. The gallery’s minimalist design provided the perfect setting for Barry’s bold and expressive art, while its location across from Ricochet Brewing created a welcoming downtown hub for art lovers.
Photographing the space itself was a delight. The clean lines and bright lighting complemented the colorful works, while the large windows allowed the lively atmosphere inside to spill onto the street. It’s clear that Ian’s vision for the Atelier is more than just a gallery—it’s a space where art and community meet.
Capturing Community: Our Experience as Photographers
At The Dark Room Studio, our approach to event photography is rooted in storytelling. We strive to capture not only the key moments but the atmosphere, connections, and essence of an event. On November 8, this meant focusing on the interplay of art, space, and people.
One standout moment was photographing the artist statement juxtaposed against the vibrant paintings in the background, visually connecting Barry’s words to his work. Another highlight was documenting candid conversations, like a group of friends laughing together or a visitor quietly contemplating a piece.
From wide-angle shots showcasing the gallery’s design to close-ups of the artwork’s intricate details, we aimed to preserve the evening’s energy for those who attended—and to offer a glimpse for those who couldn’t make it.
We ended the evening by capturing some portraits. One of the artist, surrounded by his art, and one of the gallery owner, surrounded by his creation.
Visit the Exhibition
Barry J. Games’ exhibition at Atelier - A Way of Being runs until the end of December. Don’t miss the chance to see his extraordinary work in person. Visit the gallery at Unit 1, #321 Hudson Ave NE, just across the street from Ricochet Brewing. For more details about the exhibition and future events, visit the gallery’s website: https://atelierawob.com/exhibitions/.
The Dark Room Studio is proud to have been part of this opening night, capturing the joy, creativity, and connections that define events like these. If you’re hosting an art opening or event and want your story documented through professional photography, we’d love to work with you. Let’s create something beautiful together.
Visit us at www.thedarkroomstudio.ca to learn more.
Great documentation and commentary on what you were capturing. Exquisite!