Roadside Observations by Dan Mohan
 On display in the Frame Shop Gallery
 through October 1, 2004.

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Using the infrastructure and architecture of western Pennsylvania as his design elements, Dan Mohan creates striking photographs. Shot on his daily commutes, each image documents where man has been, yet is bereft of the human form. Built environment, road markings, tire tracks and broken glass suggest what might have happened moments ago, but who and what has passed are now settled into a silent play of shape and light.

A graduate of Point Park College with a BA in Photography, Mohan has made his career with hospitals by shooting photos for brochures, advertising, and other commercial concerns. In recent years, Dan has gained recognition for his fine art photography by way of several juried shows, including Fellowship 2002, a national competition at the Silver Eye Center for Photography. His work has also been included in several group shows, including the recent exhibition entitled The New Realism at the Sweetwater Center for the Arts in Pittsburgh. A reception for the exhibit is to be held Friday, September 24, 2004, from, 7-9 p.m.

Artist Statement

“Look at that, Danny!” my Mom would tell me as she pointed to a huge, round maple tree with a hole cut through it for the telephone wires.

Mom was always pointing out something unusual, and although she is no longer with me, her constant encouragement to see significance in the ordinary is forever present.

I have no choice now but to appreciate what is easily overlooked and taken for granted. This could be something about to happen or perhaps the visual consequences of certain events that have occurred. I’m able to draw attention to these basic subjects by isolating and portraying shapes, color and patterns. Additionally, by striking a balance between presenting information and offering an interesting design, I compel the viewer to linger for a moment until he/she begins to think about landscape issues, building design, departed loved ones or perhaps golf. Accordingly, each image offers a unique opportunity for reflection. The image name, placed in a text layer below and to the left, is simply the location where the image was captured.

Though not an artist, my mom was very observant. Almost 50 years ago she instilled this quality in me at a very young age. Today, when I see that “tree with a hole” I’ll make a mental note and return later with time and favorable light.

Dan Mohan