If Not Then, Then Before Then

Gerry Dotto
Sherwood Park, AB

Size

23.6" x 35"

Medium

digital print on photo paper

This piece is a photograph from the series “Flow of Traffic Theory,” a project that originated from my fascination with the simplicity and universality of the imagery used on road signs. Specifically, signs whose symbols had become obscured or distorted in some way. The value of these signs, relative to the message they once carried, is lost. They now take on an aesthetic value of their own, either in their appearance, the reinterpretation of their message or based on the context of their physical location.

If Not Then, Then Before Then

Gerry Dotto
Sherwood Park, AB

About the artist
About the artist

Gerry Dotto
Sherwood Park, AB

“I work in a variety of media; primarily printmaking, digital photography and mixed media/collage. I’ve exhibited extensively, most recently with group shows in New York, Vancouver, Edmonton and Toronto. My work is part of private and public collections including Alberta Foundation for the Arts, Esso Petroleum Corporation, and the Bruce Peel Special Collections Library at the University of Alberta. My work is featured in publications such as INPHA3-Manifest Gallery 3rd International Photography Annual, PrairieSeen Notes (online), and Camera Obscura.

My work is conceptual and is based on exploring our interaction with everyday forms of visual communication. The printmaking and mixed media pieces draw elements from the packaging of commercial products (cereal boxes, cigarette packs, etc.). For the digital photography, I’ve developed a series titled “Flow of Traffic Theory” which examines road signs (in various conditions) and their imagery. The subjects in my works share a common trait in that they are familiar objects, and more specifically, I’m inspired by these familiar objects when their words and symbols have become affected by changes in context, distorted or obscured. This reflects on how established forms of our language, and communication in general, can be compromised for the sake of convenience or through neglect.”

Follow on social