In the mountains of Western Canada, there is hardly a more photogenic area than the towering granite spires of the Bugaboos that thrust upward into the skies of B.C.’s Purcell Mountains.
As such, photographers are invited to submit their favourite images for a Celebration of the Bugaboos exhibit planned for the Art Gallery of Golden, B.C. in January/February 2012.
Organized by Kicking Horse Culture and the Art Gallery of Golden, the contest and exhibit are part of the 100th anniversary celebrations of B.C. Parks.
The Bugaboos have long been a world class destination for rock climbers drawn by the elegant architecture of the steep granite spires – many of whom have captured stunning images of the unique landscape. The area boasts some of the earliest photography of technical climbing, captured by Wilmer rancher Albert MacCarthy as legendary guide Conrad Kain led the infamous gendarme pitch on the first ascent of Bugaboo Spire in 1916.
“The Bugaboos are known for their dramatic scenery and the area is an icon in the climbing world,” said adventure photographer Pat Morrow, who will serve as curator for the exhibit. “It is also rich in photographic history. Mac’s Eastman Kodak foldout camera captured the crux moves of the ascent, which at the time was the hardest alpine climb in Canada.”
Skilled climbing photographers equipped with first-rate, highly portable cameras are invited to be creative in their submissions, which are limited to five photos per entrant.
“This is a chance for photographers to profile their experiences from the Bugaboos,” Morrow said. “Are they more than just picturesque monoliths? We want to see creativity, depth and, wherever possible, the human element.”
The selection of digital images and the stories that accompany them will be arranged in an interpretive panel display for the gallery exhibit, and also as a documentary calendar for 2012.
There is no entry fee and the deadline is Sept. 13, with final selections being made Sept. 19. For submission details, visit www.kickinghorseculture.ca or e-mail [email protected]
