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Christopher Johns exhibits Noted National Geographic photographer and Rappahannock County resident Chris Johns exhibits his work in Sperryville’s Long View Gallery, now through Dec. 31. Johns’ career as a photographer spans more than two decades, working exclusively for the Geographic for the past ten years. With four of National Geographic’s top one hundred images to his credit, his is a show not to be missed. Johns’ images capture the natural beauty of Africa. His photographs focus on the complex interrelationships that exist between the people, wildlife and the lands they inhabit. His work embodies a tension between fine art and photojoumalistic representation.
More than a collection of beautiful images, his work is a sometimes joyful, occasionally disturbing, depiction of the fundamental challenges presented by life. Johns’ photographs engage the viewer in a dialogue, demanding attention. His giraffe clearly has something to say-it is left to
Review . *5 ' the viewer determine what that might be. Complexity pervades all of Johns’ images; close examination rewards the viewer. In one image a strong horizontal migration of cape buffalo draws the eye, light streams through their dust cloud, and as one looks, white birds appear, small and white flying counter to the animals above the fray. In another photograph the soft eyes of a cheetah look up with an almost loving quality, her face smudged with blood. The layered content of the work draws the viewer back to consider the implications of what might at first seem to be a simply beautiful photograph. Johns’ photography challenges the viewer to reassess notions of strength and beauty, revealing vulnerability common to all living things in the unforgiving landscape of Africa. His mastery of craft is evident in each of his images. The photograph of a lion, forlorn and walking into the wind, is a haunting portrait with a background that seems almost painted. In another image a hawk-eagle floats, startled and piercing, wings in motion, the viewer is privy to the fruit of a life spent in patient waiting. Johns is a purist in his photography, never manipulating his images, preferring instead to wait for the opportunity to capture his subjects as they are. The result is an honest, if sometimes brutal, depiction of our world. Johns’ images of the people of Africa depict the rich human experience the continent can afford. In a distinctive style he captures human moments against the epic backdrop of Africa. Chris Johns’ work is a pleasure and a challenge. In a masterful style his images capture the elemental aspects of life. The collection speaks to inevitable issues, land management, the integration of people with the natural world-life and death.
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