- The seasoned photographer will be the main attraction in an Art Talk at Thapong Visual Arts Centre
- Hale often returns to Morocco to capture the shades of blue that dominate the landscape
- His father was a jazz musician and photographer; his uncle a portrait photographer
GOSEGO MOTSUMI
On 22 August, Thapong Visual Arts Centre in Gaborone will host an “Art Talk” featuring Robert Hale, a seasoned photographer with decades of experience capturing the world’s beauty and complexity.
Originally from the US and now living in France, Hale brings with him a wealth of knowledge and insight gathered from a lifelong journey in photography that started at the tender age of 12.
His talk promises to be an enlightening experience for photographers and art enthusiasts alike.
According to the renowned photographer, his participation in this talk was sparked by a recent visit to Thapong alongside his friend and colleague, Yrneh Gabon, who is a Fulbright Research Fellow at the Okavango Research Institute.
The GP of Photography
During their visit, Hale was introduced to the Director of Thapong, Reginald Bakwena, who invited him to tour the facilities. Impressed by the diversity and quality of the art on display, Hale was inspired to accept Bakwena’s invitation to share his thoughts on photography as a medium of expression.
Hale’s approach to photography is reminiscent of an era when generalists thrived. Unlike the modern tendency towards specialisation, Hale considers himself a GP (General Practitioner) of photography, constantly exploring various techniques across multiple disciplines.
Versatility is his strength
From portraits – his favourite – to street photography, documentary work and fine art, Hale’s versatility is his strength. He seeks to learn and adapt continuously, allowing him to capture a broad spectrum of subjects that speak to his artistic sensibilities.
Hale’s journey in photography is deeply rooted in his heritage. Growing up under the influence of his father, a jazz musician and photographer, and his uncle, a portrait photographer, Hale has inherited a rich tradition that he continues to build upon.
His work represents a fusion of street and portrait photography, a testament to the creative legacy passed down through his family.
Aesthetic of light and shadow
His achievements include portraits of renowned women artists such as Beatrice Wood, known as the “Mama of Dada,” whose image is now part of the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery. Hale’s portfolio also features works like “Second Line – Homage to Katrina,” exhibited at The Nelson-Atkins Museum in Kansas City, Missouri in the US.
Throughout his career, Hale’s global experiences have significantly shaped his artistic vision. Time spent in Stockholm during the 1970s, where he absorbed the Northern European aesthetic, refined his understanding of light and shadow.
His current base in France has allowed him to study the works of French masters like Cezanne and Monet, inspiring his “WaterWorks” series, which explores the abstraction of water.
Morocco’s “Blue City”
Morocco’s “Blue City” remains a place of continuous inspiration where Hale returns to capture the myriad shades of blue that dominate the landscape.
As Robert Hale prepares to share his journey and insights with the Gaborone audience, people can expect an evening filled with stories of exploration, artistic evolution and a deep passion for photography.
Whether you are a seasoned photographer or simply an admirer of visual art, this talk offers a rare opportunity to learn from a master who has spent a lifetime perfecting his craft.