Nothing in Common but the Camera: University
of Calgary Photography Student Projects

Give four photography students cameras and a hard deadline, set them loose, and what do you get? First, panic—it’s only three weeks to the end of term! Then, questions, curiosity, exploration, experimentation, and four completely different projects.

Artists:

Katie Levinson wondered if Calgary cares about preserving its history and set out to prove that it does: from a million dollar renovation of City Hall to Calgarians prying up their commemorative bricks before Olympic Plaza is torn down for renovation, Katie documented as many historical artifacts as she could find.

Jesse Mahajan's work captures the tension between light and shadow, ambition and consequence, drawing inspiration from classical art and human struggle. Through evocative imagery and rich contrasts, his photography invites viewers to consider the delicate balance between aspiration and identity in a world defined by achievement.

Joshua Lohka is constantly caught daydreaming of the outdoors. His work can be considered a love letter to the mountains. “State of the Mountains” examines the intersection between the intense remoteness of Alberta's snow topped peaks and glaciers with humanity’s ceasing drive to explore. The images invite you to relax under watchful eyes of gentle giants and ponder the surrounding landscape.

Dana Engler explores community and business interplay resulting from investment in “Business Improvement Areas”. His work explores how the intersection of business and community interests, are visually manifested on the street. I pursued this project to satisfy my curiosity about Placemaking while working to communicate this complex concept through photographs made in one area of Calgary."