The San Diego Traveler

There’s a new show at the Oceanside Underground Photo Gallery, featuring the southwest deserts.  The featured artist, Peter A. Nagainis, explains his focus:

“Much of my work is done out of concern for the deserts which are a fragile ecosystems, easily prone to damage by human encroachment.  Each animal and plant has struggled years to grow and become established in this inhospitable climate, but can be instantly eradicated by a  single footstep.  I worry when I see building sites being prepared by the square mile, uprooting vegetation and displacing animal life that may never be re-established.”

You may remember Nagainis from the tour I took of the gallery a couple of months ago, when I showed you his panoramic view of the Oceanside Pier.  He is now displaying another breathtaking panorama named Tenacity, a photo mural of the Death Valley dunes, splayed across an eight-foot wallspace.  Although I can show you a copy of the photograph (below), you really need to see the exhibit in person to get the full impact of this image.

Nagainis’ work is vivid and fluid, and will touch you in ways that only an artist can.  You can see a sampling of his photographic work at the Oceanside Underground Photo Gallery anytime, and you may even get him to give you a personal tour, as he is one of the photographers who share this collaborative space. 

You can also go online to learn more about Nagainis and his work, including portraits, nature (landscapes, sand and surf, animals), “new directions” (miscellaneous, abstract, light jazz), musical performers, and the panoramas that are perhaps his most recognizable pieces.  Better yet, visit the gallery soon to see Desertscapes: Capturing Light and Shadows.   This exhibit runs only through July 21.

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