New Exhibition “Document”

Edward Gajdel — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 22:34:08 +0000

Edward Gajdel has spent most of his career photographing celebrities. He is a genius at distilling the harried and complicated lives of celebrities, their handlers, and all of the baggage that fame entails into extraordinarily beautiful portraits that speak of an essence of their human character. His subjects radiate ease at being who they are in the presence of his camera. For decades Gajdel’s work has taken us through the gamut: the beautiful and glamorous the famous, the notorious, the elegant and the fashionable. In recent years he has taken this same alchemical skill and donated his efforts to charities and fundraisers benefiting mental health, homelessness, and child-centred issues. Gajdel has made new work especially for this exhibition. In this series of black and white large-scale Polaroid photographs he has turned the camera inward, reflecting on his own journey and celebrating those who have passed through his life in both body and spirit. The photographs he has made represent the beginnings of an archive of inanimate objects – the objects are specific to those who have borne a spiritual affect and had an effect on Gajdel’s life. These objects speak to photographer and viewer alike, they are universally understood in the same way that one does not need to know all of the signs and symbols in 17th century still life paintings to understand that they are paintings about perfection and the eventual demise that is embedded within being human, and being mortal.

New Gallery Representation

Edward Gajdel — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 15:47:29 +0000

I am thrilled to announce that I will now be represented by O’Born Contemporary Gallery in Toronto. This beautiful new gallery was launched this year by Donald O’Born under the direction of P. Elaine Sharpe and managed by Natalie MacNamara. There is no doubt that this gallery will not only be a force on the Canadian photographic art scene, it is destined to be a player on the world stage. P. Elaine Sharpe brings with her an amazing pedigree of knowledge and experience. As a professor at York University she is in a position to speak intelligently to artistic ideals, as an artist herself, having the real experience of living from her art practice, she brings insights and experiences beyond the intellect. This combination puts her into an authentic place of authority and under her guidance this will be the gallery to buy from and to be represented by. I am truly honored to have been invited to be part of this organization. Stay tuned for upcoming exhibits!

On Portraiture

Edward Gajdel — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 21:56:03 +0000

Since the beginning of photography the portrait has been a constant undertaking of the many artists that have chosen to work in the photographic medium. This rich tradition has provided fascinating insights into our past and at times has served to define those who have shaped our history. I think of Karsh’s portrait of Winston Churchill as a shinning example. One cannot think of Churchill without seeing that image and his searing glare that immediately draws us into his persona. That quality which defines an individual in the form of a portrait is an elusive one. It demands that the artist transcend many dichotomies. It requires a familiarity with ones craft to a level that allows the artist to work with the cumbersome and often intrusive tools in a way that blends their physicality into a seamless invisible performance of intention and trust. To accept the constraints of time and find timelessness within those borders. To know the subject intimately without ever having experienced them personally. I’m speaking of that small opening that one tries to find which opens the door to deeper understanding. Leonard Cohen sang it so eloquently …”there is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in.”

Honoring a Legend

Edward Gajdel — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 21:59:10 +0000

The world has lost a legend with the passing of The Great Oscar Peterson. I have been blessed with the great honor of having known and worked with Oscar. How perfectly appropriate to be speaking of Beauty, Power and Grace as OP embodied these qualities every time he summoned his great gift of music. The power of his gift brought the world to their feet in awestruck applause. It humbled all other masters of musical language. A man filled with gratitude for his blessings, Oscar carried the burden of fame with grace and dignity. Oscars struggles have taught us great courage and contributed immensely to breaking the chains of racism and opening doors for countless artists.

Yours was not an easy life OP but your willingness to live it fully will be with us always. Thank you dear Oscar for all the gifts you’ve left for us.