Exhibition: Stephen Bulger Gallery - JOSEPH F. ROCK - China - Vintage Photographs from the National Geographic Image Collection

TORONTO, June 6, 2012 /CNW/ -

Exhibition: June 16 - July 21, 2012
Reception: Thursday, June 21, 5-8pm

There were few more colourful expeditions than those undertaken by Dr. Joseph F. Rock (1884 - 1962) in the 1920s to the far hinterlands of China. The eccentric Viennese-born botanist spent 27 years in the remote Tibetan borderlands collecting exotic plants and communing with spiritual lamas while dodging warlords and bandits. Through his photographs, Rock documented the hidden world of the Naxi and other peoples of this region.

This exhibition features vintage B&W photographs, as well as modern enlargements, from some of his many Autochrome originals. Divided into sections, the photographs display the vast and mountainous terrain traversed by Rock and a glimpse into the manner with which he travelled; surrounded by his extensive library of books and phonograph recordings, dining in appropriate fashion, and relaxing in his own tub, all of which carried from place to place by a retinue of locals.

The National Geographic Society celebrates its 125th anniversary next January. Over the course of its history, the Society evolved into one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. The Society was founded in 1888 to "increase and diffuse geographic knowledge." National Geographic reflects the world through its magazines, television programs, films, music and radio, books, DVDs, maps, exhibitions, live events, school publishing programs, interactive media and merchandise. The National Geographic Channel reaches 310 million households in 34 languages in 165 countries. National Geographic Digital Media receives more than 13 million visitors a month. National Geographic has funded more than 9,200 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an educational program promoting geographic literacy. For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com.

Stephen Bulger Gallery
1026 Queen Street West Toronto Canada
416.504.0575
[email protected]
www.bulgergallery.com