Art Review: Out of Focus @ Saatchi Gallery

Tabish Khan
By Tabish Khan Last edited 143 months ago
Art Review: Out of Focus @ Saatchi Gallery
Mitch Epstein, BP Carson Refinery,California 2007. Image Courtesy Saatchi Gallery, London
Mitch Epstein, BP Carson Refinery,California 2007. Image Courtesy Saatchi Gallery, London
David Benjamin Sherry, Hyperborealis 2008. Image courtesy Saatchi Gallery, London
David Benjamin Sherry, Hyperborealis 2008. Image courtesy Saatchi Gallery, London
Adam Broomberg & Oliver Chanarin Culture 3 Sheet 72. (c) Adam Broomberg & Oliver Chanarin. Image courtesy of the Saatchi Gallery, London
Adam Broomberg & Oliver Chanarin Culture 3 Sheet 72. (c) Adam Broomberg & Oliver Chanarin. Image courtesy of the Saatchi Gallery, London
Katy Grannan Anonymous, Los Angeles, Boulevard 11. (c) Katy Grannan. Image courtesy of the Saatchi Gallery, London
Katy Grannan Anonymous, Los Angeles, Boulevard 11. (c) Katy Grannan. Image courtesy of the Saatchi Gallery, London
Yumiko Utsu, Octopus Portrait. (c) Yumiko Utsu. Image courtesy of the Saatchi Gallery, London
Yumiko Utsu, Octopus Portrait. (c) Yumiko Utsu. Image courtesy of the Saatchi Gallery, London

The Saatchi gallery is most commonly known for its contemporary art. This is its first photography show since 2001.

There are a wide range of photographers on display ranging from the classical to the abstract, with enough variety to suit art fans of all tastes. Familiar names are present, such as John Stezaker who is famed for his collaged portraits (which had their own show at the Whitechapel Gallery last year). But Sohei Nishino's huge collages of Paris, Tokyo and New York are more likely to catch the eye. These are made from thousands of individual photo segments, yet the cities are easily recognisable.

The use of light to subvert is another highlight, as David Sherry is able to transform a scenic landscape into something otherworldly and apocalyptic by simply applying a coloured filter. Ryan McGinley also manipulates lighting to make a concert crowd appear as if they are witnessing an alien mothership landing.

Also of note are Mat Colishaw's haunting and mesmerising five metre tall mosaics and Noemie Goudal's scenic clashes of nature with the man-made.

Though only half of this exhibition is truly noteworthy, the sheer volume of artists on display means that all fans of photographic art will find something to like at Out of Focus.

Out of Focus: Photography is on display at the Saatchi gallery until 22 July. Admission is free.

Fans of photographic art should also check out the Sony World Photo Awards exhibition at Somerset House

Last Updated 29 April 2012