Wagner James Au / New World Notes

Cajsa Lilliehook covers the best in virtual world screenshot art and digital painting

Kato Salyut is limiting his work to black and white, as he explained in his “About” page: 

“As part of my effort to protest the current political climate in DC I am limiting my colors to mono and duo-tone images. Occasionally a glimpse of color can be seen when there is a crack in the power structure. Always looking for that crack and hoping it grows letting in even more color. I love color, rich greens, reds, gold and blue. I am always tempted to post in color. Unfortunately the air in DC is so putrid, the decisions against humanity and the environment are unforgivable.”

In his skilled hands, black and white is not limiting though. This “Landscape” is rich in detail and reminiscent of the great Ansel Adams whose best work was in black and white. I love the detail in this picture, how the rock face is not just a plane of gray, but this mottled mix of colors, the roughness of the rock and the lichen are captured in high relief. 

Kato Salyut has a surreal side to his work in his next photo.

“My Perfect Weekend” is a surreal delight. I am not sure why a rhino and a dog, but then why not? I love how he is part of the photo through his shadow. It is a remarkable use of light…and shadow. 

“Hide and See…Find Me” is a fine example of his pictures of people and in particular, his nudes. He engages our attention with the hidden. What is not pictured,  what we have to complete. He also often uses and oblique angle or close crop to force us to reorient ourselves. For example, “Looking Up” is quite literally looking up while in “Diptych 1” the close crop takes the not-safe-for-work to safety. 

Do check out Kato Salyut. His work is extraordinary.  

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