Grassy Brook

Curatorial Statement – Shin Sugino

The work of Canadian-born photographer Walter Borchenko represents a profound and singular exploration of the Modernist photographic aesthetic. This 20-year retrospective traces a remarkable journey, beginning with the evocative self-portrait, Self Portrait, Hollywood Florida (2006), and culminating in the integration of infra-red techniques in Grassy Brook – Talbot River Road (2024). Borchenko’s work transcends homage, evolving the Modernist tradition into something new: a “Modernist evolved” aesthetic rather than a postmodern reinterpretation.

Over the last two decades, Borchenko has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the principles of Modernist photography. His dedication to achieving the essence of the image through meticulous camera work, optics, and lighting—eschewing heavy digital manipulation—is a rare practice in contemporary photography. The singularity of his approach is further heightened by his use of a consistent digital capture technology throughout this period, providing continuity and integrity to his artistic evolution.

A striking example of his mastery is Bloor Viaduct Veil (2020), where the artist transforms the sky into a dramatic black void through expert filtration. This technique creates a stark and elegant contrast with the gleaming stainless steel and tensile metal cables of the bridge’s veil, exemplifying his ability to craft compositions that are both technically precise and deeply expressive.

Borchenko’s images are further elevated through the use of hand-made Japanese paper, which imbues his prints with a tactile depth and subtlety that harmonize with the Modernist ethos. The Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre is honoured to present this unique and memorable exhibition, celebrating Borchenko’s evolution of Modernist photography and his contribution to its legacy.