Minimalist, 'intentionally flat' seascapes of Newfoundland that focus on colour and light

The seascapes are depicted with the same intentional "flatness" that defines all of his work, with no vanishing point. The land, sea and sky are stacked horizontally on top of one another, creating compositions that resemble flags. In other instances, Pratt uses architecture to frame the seascapes in unusual and unexpected ways. Subtle relationships exist between the form and texture of the structures and the naturally occurring shapes in the sky and water.

Pratt was born, raised and currently lives in Newfoundland. His innate understanding of the province’s beautiful but harsh landscape creates a foundation for his minimal, striking photographs. He will often revisit a subject several times over the span of a few years before capturing an image that contains just the right balance of composition, colour and light. His playful use of perspective and vantage point transforms photographs of familiar landmarks into elegant abstractions.

Proximity at Nicholas Metivier Gallery in Toronto will open on 6 September and run until 29 September 2018. This is Ned Pratt’s second solo exhibition at the gallery. It will coincide with Pratt’s first travelling survey museum exhibition, One Wave, opening at The Rooms in Newfoundland in September 2018, for which a fully illustrated book will be published.