Photographer Danny Upshaw – who also goes by Unheard Harmony (unheardharmony.com) – is known for capturing images of the people and buildings of Downtown Phoenix. In fact, he provided the cover image for PHOENIX magazine’s Love Your Downtown issue in September 2020.
He is also active in the cycling community and his new show, Soft Spoke•n, brings attention to cyclists.
Per his artist statement, “The exhibition is a series of photos and videos I’ve captured of friends riding throughout the years in Phoenix and neighboring cities. Also included is an anamorphic photo installation that speaks about the attempt at keeping cyclists safe. Although there are great strides at implementing more bike infrastructure, there is still a responsibility left to drivers to watch out for cyclists. Soft Spoke•n is my commentary on being a cyclist in Phoenix. There are so many characters within the cycling community. I feel fortunate to connect with these people and document moments to tell their stories. My hope is to show the faces of the folks on the streets enjoying something they love and for folks in cars to view them as humans and look out for them as if they are part of their community.”
“Cycling has allowed me to pay attention to details. The smell of wet concrete after summer rain, the sounds of cars honking during rush hour while riding over them on a pedestrian bridge and feeling like a feather in the wind when you get some epic tailwind,” he says. “Riding bikes is a wonderful feeling and gives a sense of freedom, but there is also a darker side. When you’ve been cycling long enough, you hear stories of accidents while cycling, some from no infrastructure and some from accidents involving vehicles. For there to be harmony, the story of the cyclist must be brought to light. I am a storyteller. A never-ending desire to explore and connect with people is my focus. I capture what I see and over the years a collection starts to form. Removing oneself from a car and experiencing the world from the perspective of a cyclist in this city is the muse of my current work.”
Soft Spoke•n opens Friday, April 21 from 6:30-9:00 p.m. at Walter Art Gallery, a contemporary art space that celebrates the work of local artists.
Walter Art Gallery, 6425 E. Thomas Rd., Scottsdale, 775-302-5448, walter-art.com
