More Than Atmospheric

#Rankencloud by Jackie Ranken

JEFF MOORFOOT

Australian-born Jackie Ranken’s work is characterised by a distinct style that seamlessly blends elements of nature and human response, resulting in her visually striking and emotionally evocative compositions. Her early exposure to the New Zealand landscape served as the perfect muse, inspiring her to explore the interplay of light, texture and form through the lens of her camera.

For many years she has led a double life straddling ‘the ditch’ between Queenstown where, with her husband Mike Langford, she has built a thriving photography workshop business, and Goulburn NSW, where she spends time with her adult family.

It was in Mittagong NSW, on her way to a teaching workshop, where she became captivated by the shape of a solitary cloud. ‘It was sitting there on such a beautiful blue- sky day, out on its own and free. I felt like it was waiting for me, so I pulled over beside the highway to capture it.’

This serendipitous moment marked the beginning of #Rankencloud. The cloud image became the first on her camera card, ready to be layered into new multiple exposures whenever she wanted to create a new #Rankencloud image.

What sets the #Rankencloud series apart is her ability to imbue each photograph with a sense of emotional resonance. Beyond being mere depictions of clouds, these images serve as visual meditations on the transient nature of life, the passage of time and the ephemeral beauty of the natural world. Through her lens, this cloud is no longer just an atmospheric phenomenon but a poetic symbol of dreams, aspirations and fleeting moments of joy. The cloud is a metaphor for Ranken’s recent history. It represents the ebbs and flows and acts as a point of reference to and influence on her life.

In terms of technique, Ranken employs a masterful use of light and shadow to create dramatic contrasts within her compositions. The interplay of light and dark adds a sense of mystery and depth, drawing the viewer into a realm where the boundaries between reality and imagination blur. The duality of the #Rankencloud images, their multiple exposure and their captivating play of light not only enhances the visual impact but also underscores the emotional depth of the work.

Master Photographer Jackie Ranken has gathered a host of accolades and international recognition over the course of her career. Her work has appeared in the prestigious Core Program at the Ballarat International Foto Biennale, and in 2019 #Rankencloud featured in the award-winning group show Antipodean Mnemonic at Photo BaoHe, Hefei, China.

Jackie Ranken’s #Rankencloud series stands as a testament to her talent, creativity and vision as a photographer. Through her evocative marriage of cloud and landscape, she invites us to pause, reflect and marvel at the beauty that surrounds us—an invitation that is as timeless and boundless as the ever-shifting shapes of the clouds themselves.

Published in issue 191, Spring 2024