"Coast" exhibition at HMT, Aberdeen.

17/11/06

THE PRESS AND JOURNAL

CELEBRATING DIVERSITY OF THE COAST.

REVIEW
by Roddy Phillips.

Sandy Menzies is best known as one of Aberdeen's premier independant jewellers. He is a renowned jewellery designer and graduate of Gray's School of Art. We shouldn't be too surprised to discoverhe is also an outstanding photographer, although he would be the first to admit it began as a hobby.

His new exhibition of beautiful, highly-evocative black and white photographs, entitled "Coast", opened in the dress circle bar of His Majesty's Theatre last night to great acclaim. It features 15 black and white images celebrating the coastal diversity of the north-east from Cruden Bay to St. Cyrus.

He works digitally and is fascinated by the structures, textures and dramas that develop once he has removed the mask of colour.

Influenced by minimalists like Ansell Adams, his images have a distinct energy and a presence that verges on the mystical. Curiously, although they are all monochrome, they have a warmth that is highly engaging and a love of the subject which cannot be faked.

Essentially there is an artist at work in these stunning photographs, a dynamic creative spirit behind the lens.