A Balance of Beauty and Destruction
By Cassie Ordonio/ Staff Writer
California wildfires are notorious for their devastating impact, but City College photography student Adrienne Johnson found inspiration in its fiery destruction for her recent Obscura photo gallery show.
“I like to tell stories about things I see around me, so a camera is the most expedient means,” Johnson said.
A photographer for nine years, Johnson was chosen after submitting her portfolio documenting the aftermath of the 2013 rim fire, resulting in a miraculous blend of colors from the smoke at sunset.
Caused by a hunter’s campfire, the 2013 rim fire consumed approximately 257,300 acres destroying a total of eleven residences, three commercial buildings and 98 outbuildings. It is the third largest wildfire in California’s history, according to California Department of Forestry.
“During that time, the winds pushed the clouds toward San Francisco,” Johnson said. “These were the most colorful and spectacular sunsets I had experienced in San Francisco in recent memory.”
“I like to tell stories about things I see around me, so a camera is the most expedient means.”
—Photographer Adrienne Johnson
After documenting the event, Johnson named her work Agathokakological, an ancient Greek term to describe something composed of both good and evil. All photographs were taken from her living room window.
“I love the natural color,” photography major Bee Som said. “When you capture it, you can increase the saturation to really make it pop out.”
Every month, the department hand picks a student photographer to represent their art in Gallery Obscura.
The department encourages students to submit their work, according to department chair Erika Gentry.
Johnson expressed excitement to be in the photography program after trying to register for classes for quite some time.
Gallery Obscura showed nine photographs displaying numerous colors and angles of the sky.
“I think this place has a nice concept and is a nice place for students to show their work,” computer science major Vidit Manglani said.
The artist reception was held in the photo Gallery Obscura Oct. 22. The show was about how beauty comes out of tragedy from destruction, according to Johnson.
“I hope more people come out and learn how to do this and take these amazing classes,” Johnson said.
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