Dayne Bonta: Impressions at 88

Dayne Bonta is a photographer based in Indiana who seeks to capture the moment when subject matter, light, color, and atmosphere blend into the sublime. Turning 88 on September 9th, this exhibition presents Bonta’s impressions of life at this point in his career.

Photographers are compelled to illustrate what they see, an object, the color of a flower, a landscape at sunset, trees in the early morning fog. There is a desire to preserve that moment where the light is perfect and the imagery profound.  They seek to capture that fleeting inspirational experience.

Dayne Bonta is that type of photographer, seeking to capture the moment when subject matter, light, color, and atmosphere blend into the sublime. He does not adhere to the concept of “pure photography,” or “straight photography” meaning to realistically recreate, without manipulation, the imagery photographed. Bonta, working in the digital medium, considers the initial photograph a tool with which to experiment.

In 1975, on a trip to the west coast, Bonta was given an introduction to the master photographer, Ansel Adams.  Bonta stated that Adams was a very giving person, offering to review Bonta’s work. Adams suggested that Bonta also visit Paul Caponigro, Brett Weston, and Wynn Bullock, all renowned West coast photographers.