"A photographer is not a soldier nor a refugee, he is a spectator who tries to show a situation and if possible, also show how it feels."- Bill Burke
Some may look at Bill Burke’s photography and say that his work fits the mold of the documentary tradition very well. The pictures show a story that isn’t planned or orchestrated, but instead is more true to life, as disturbing as that may be. However, if you look closely, the photos extend from that format to include hand written reflections from Burke himself, which quickly turn the subjects from being part of a photojournalist’s story into something that is more of a personal tale of the photographer.
Since 1982 Burke has made annual trips to Southeast Asia, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, which make up part of the exhibit now being shown at the Paul Paletti gallery in conjunction with the 2011 Photo Biennial. A reception for Bill Burke is planned for Thursday, Oct. 13th from 5 to 8 p.m. at the gallery located at 713 E. Market Street.
Bill Burke’s work in the group exhibition, Rough Road- the Kentucky Documentary Photographic Project, will also be featured at the Frazier History Museum on Oct. 15th.
photo: Bill Burke, "I want to take picture"
