Beneath the Apple Tree

Gary Bartoloni (1955-2019) Throughout his life, whether during his years studying Biology at various colleges, or photographic art at Pratt and L.I.U., he ceaselessly tried to push the limits of photography that was then accepted. As both a scientist and artist, he was fascinated with the process of photosynthesis, the fundamental process which allows life to exist on earth.

His photography is based on an interpretation of this process. While studying botany, he was introduced to the technique of plant diagnostics through the use of infrared films and their unique ability to capture the light aura, indicative of the energies emitted by trees and all green plants through photosynthesis. Through the use of infrared film, a visual representation of photosynthesis can be seen in artistic detail. The pigments in leaves which actually absorb the different wavelengths of light are selective. They absorb, depending on their type, only one range of light and reflect the rest. We see this reflected light as green during the months of active photosynthesis and yellow, red, orange in fall when these pigments "die". At this time, they no longer absorb these wavelengths and so they are reflected. The typical lush array of an autumn landscape gives a fair representation of the colors of light used by plants during the growing season, but at all times, infrared light is reflected though imperceptible to us.

Through this technique, he hoped to make people aware of the imperceptible process of life going around us, and how intimately we are connected with and dependent upon these processes to continue. The silence in a forest leads one to believe that very little is going on there, when actually it is equivalent to a high volume industrial “plant”. Instead of using machines to synthesize raw materials into a product, light and water and pigments are used. Our inability to see, perceive this activity is the basis for man's ability to so wantonly destroy it.

He hoped that the natural beauty of these images will draw attention to this message, and hopefully broaden the idea of how all life, the obvious and the imperceptible are in a delicate but closely interdependent balance.

He had many solo exhibitions of his work, and was a participating member of various photo and art groups in New York and Florida. His work was chosen for ”Camera 2015” and 'Camera 2016', held at the Von Liebling Center in Naples Florida, The Sarasota Center for the Arts, The Southampton Art Center (New York). He also was in group exhibitions, including OK Harris and Soho Photo, in New York City. He presented a portfolio of images for a Guggenheim Grant regarding the visual recognition of endangered world forests through infrared portrayals.