ON THE ROAD...

On the Road is a photography exhibition by Gillian Moore and Stephen Riley. Both are concerned with space and the environment, but they come from radically different viewpoints. This exhibition is inspired by those contrasting outlooks.

Moore travels the world capturing the majesty of nature, from the sweeping plains of North America to the seascapes of Northern Europe and the ice floes of Patagonia to the more reserved beauty of her native Britain. Moore was first drawn to photography in childhood by her grandfather's National Geographic collection. She was given her first camera at the age of eight, and that early influence continues to inspire her Ansel Adams-esque approach to landscape. Since the 1980s, Moore's work has graced numerous publications, including national newspapers, Sunday magazines and travel literature. Her contemplative, poetic work explores the vast open spaces and intimate textures of the places most would like to see, but few do, except in images.

Conversely, Riley's work explores what we all routinely pass by but seldom register. After studying for an MA in Art and Architecture in Canterbury, Riley completed a PhD in Fine Art at Leeds University, which focused on the urban environment as an ever-changing canvas where sensory overload, desire and disdain, the ordered and the anarchic clash and overlay. Riley's photography – described as 'brilliant' by Tate Gallery director Andrew Brighton – views the human-made environment as one replete with semiotic messages competing for our attention; where magnificent manifestations of corporate power are challenged by entropy, absurdity and anonymous traces of human feeling and activity. Riley has exhibited since childhood, professionally since 1991, and has work in collections in France, Germany, the UK and USA.

The contrast between these two photographic artists does not end with the subject matter – their techniques, too, are opposed. Moore's method involves a full-frame camera, large lenses, tripod and long, thoughtful exposures. Riley, in capturing the 'stuff of street', shoots spontaneously, sometimes using an SLR, but often a compact and even occasionally a disposable camera, so the directness of the method matches that of the subject matter.

Do come to the launch on Friday 2 May. All welcome - it is not a 'private view'. It's free and there will be music: BEATNIK GROOVE - an evening of jazz and RNB tunes inspired by the On the Road 'Kerouac' theme. Berets, beards and black roll-necks are permitted, but Gauloises' must be smoked outside.

Runs throughout May. For opening times see Art Bank's website.