The black-and-white photographs in Tom Peterson’s exhibition “Court House Eyes” examine the film noir aesthetic. Dramatic shadows fall on urban streetscapes; light illuminates cobblestone in geometric patterns; a sense of mystery pervades. In some images, that mystery creates unease, and in others it makes peace with its surroundings. In this world, light and shadow are ever-shifting, like any good mystery should be.

Peterson says in his artist’s statement of the exhibition,”Most of the photographs included in ‘Court House Eyes’ were taken in New Haven and Hartford, Connecticut. The theme was influenced by the memory of watching the movie ‘The Third Man’. My intent was to use dramatic effect of strong, morning light and shadow to evoke the dark, dramatic mood of 1950s film noir.”

Tom Peterson is a documentary and fine art photographer from Hamden, Connecticut. He began his photography career after early retirement from The Hartford Financial Group. He currently is a member of City Gallery in New Haven, Connecticut.

There is an opening reception on Saturday, October 22, from 2 pm – 4 pm. Regular gallery hours are 8:30 am – 5 pm Monday through Friday. Closed weekends and holidays.