Robert Burley ignites the discourse surrounding
photography
and the demise of the photochemical process; the
notion that
the death of photography, as we have known it, is
imminent.
Burley’s ongoing project, Disappearance of
Darkness
(2005 – present), records a major shift in the
history of
representation
that includes the downsizing, closing and
demolition of
factories that manufacture traditional photography
products
around the world.

Somewhat ironically, Burley uses a large format
view camera,
much like the original 19th century device, to
deftly capture
the architectural complexity of the site. He
documents
employees as they witness the downfall of their
former
workplace and record its implosion with their
digital cameras.
As a culture that voraciously consumes digital
capture
devices, whether cameras, cell phones, or PDA’s, the
impending end of the photochemical era appears
unstoppable
and irreversible. Burley’s massive photographic
image,
installed on a building façade with this parking
lot context,
metaphorically and literally captures the
explosiveness of the
current situation.

For over 20 years, Burley’s photographs have
focused on the
relationship between nature and cities,
architecture and
the urban landscape. His work has been extensively
published, exhibited and collected on an
international level.
Burley lives in Toronto and teaches at Ryerson
University’s
School of Image Arts.

Robert Burley’s photographs are included in the
CONTACT
exhibition at MOCCA, Between Memory & History:
From
the
Epic to the Everyday. Join him there for a
lively discussion
centered on the notion that photography, as we
have known
it, is passing into history – May 25th, 2pm.