| Abstract [eng] |
The visual theme of the tree in John Kalvelis' photography discussed in this paper is expressed on the dual plane as an ornamental and as a metaphysical theme. Both themes identified in the title complement each other in their own way. Photographic ornamentation is understood here as ornamentation of a visual pattern, a visual text, for photography itself is a visual text. this work is an attempt to read, to interpret the visual characters of J. Kalvelis' tree. The artist's signs left in his works are visual clues for further interpretation, while metaphysics itself is understood in two ways here, both as an excess of visual, physical signs of the tree, as something that is beyond physical, and the possibility of metaphysical contemplation. Physical signs of the tree, its contours, shapes, light, and lines are not barely physical links, they provide additional metaphysical clues. The signs of the tree turn into ornamented contours. The contours of branches or trunks are transformed into modified, supplemented and ornate visual forms of expression. The pattern of light on the tree due to the shadows or snow turns to additional expression. The linear tangle of branches or bark is a reference to the growth and the spread. Growth or spread is an intricate linear intersection. this visual intersection in the photographs of the tree is unique in that the ornament is the thing not only to be enjoyed or admired, but a much wider dimension leading to surprise. These visual trees surprise and disturb us, make us newly re-elect the existing usual concepts and habitual visual attitudes. The visual opportunities of photography revealed in artist's J. Kalvelis' works are always the subject of likely theoretical, philosophical reflections. |
