Costa Rica Forum

davidflynn
Joined 2017
Posts: 1

6 years ago

Ex-pat photo exhibit

6 years ago

From AMCostaRica ...

U.S. expat focuses on the dignity of persons in his photo exhibit
By Conor Golden, News Editor for A.M. Costa Rica

Expats will have the opportunity to see one of their own display his photographs at an upcoming exhibition in San José’s Barrio Amón.

David Flynn is coming off more than eight months walking the streets of León, Nicaragua, to capture what he defines as the city’s unique atmosphere. The Chilean-born U.S. expat has done extensive traveling and living throughout much of Latin America.

“I’m very excited about this show,” Flynn said. “Living in León is like living in another century. It’s a unique place for me and close to my heart. So I hope I am giving it its just due with these pictures of mine.”

Flynn’s exhibit will be held at the Galería Talentum in Barrio Amón and will be free for the entire public to view and enjoy. The grand opening will be at 7 p.m. on Oct. 3 and will run until the end of the month, Flynn said. The gallery space is located next to the Hotel Taormina.

According to Greivin Ureña, the director and curator for the space, the exhibit reflects the gallery’s efforts to support emerging artists. Flynn said that he spends half his time in San José when not in Nicaragua or traveling around much of Latin America to soak up the culture and more photo opportunities.

“We are looking forward to seeing the reaction in San José of this unique collection of photographs from our neighboring country,” Ureña said.

“I personally have always liked León and I think David Flynn has captured that city’s unique soul and personality.”

Although coming from the era of film photography, Flynn told A.M. Costa Rica that he has completely embraced the era of digital photography due to a hatred of the dark room.

When asked what was his favorite photograph, the artist said he liked “El Viejito en una Puerta,” which is a showcase photo the public can see in this exhibition.

“It was taken from inside of the Hotel Azul from my favorite vantage point in the city,” he said. “I sat there for a couple hours waiting for the light to be just right. Then the old man walked by and I had my photo!”

Flynn said that he plans to do a San José themed show due to Costa Rica presenting another level of photo opportunities. A.M. Costa Rica asked what were the themes he liked to touch on with his work, he replied that it is really what he chooses not to photograph.

“I don’t photograph poverty,” he said.
Un viejito en la puerta
“El Viejito en una Puerta.”

Flynn's exhibit will focus on scenes from León in Nicaragua.

“I take pictures of poor people, yes, but always seek dignity, joy or interaction with the subject. I also don’t photograph people in pain, in conflict or distress. My thematic essay focuses on the dignity of people or maybe lighthearted moments. I want people to see a picture of mine and say ‘I’d like to go there’ or ‘I like that person in the shot.”

The photographer said that he tries for angles that emphasize the subject and make them stick out. Flynn finds that photography draws upon the same skills as fishing: patience, anticipation and being in the right location. The one challenge in Central America is finding good lighting. “In Costa Rica or Nicaragua or Guatemala, I look for light contrasts, shadows that may be interesting,” Flynn said. “You have to look at light differently and don’t let the challenge of harsh tropical light defeat you.”

William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

Living in Costa Rica Guide

Our Living in Costa Rica Guide is a primer on everything about living in Costa Rica: best places to live, cost of living, pros and cons, healthcare and insurance, and more.

Costa Rica Forum
Join our Costa Rica forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Costa Rica.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Costa Rica.

Best Places to Live in Costa Rica

If you're dreaming about living in Costa Rica, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Costa Rica in 2023.

Healthcare in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has both public and private healthcare systems. When you become a resident, you must enroll in the public healthcare system (CAJA). Many expats use the public system for routine healthcare and have private expat health insurance for specialists, surgeries and emergencies.

Cost of Living in Costa Rica

If you're moving to Costa Rica, you'll want to understand the cost of living in Costa Rica. Lifestyle, location and health insurance are part of the formula.

Moving to Costa Rica Guide

Moving to Costa Rica has become more popular among expats. Making this choice requires a lot of research to ensure the expat experience you hope for will be realized.

Real Estate in Costa Rica

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Costa Rica.

Pros & Cons of Living in Costa Rica

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Costa Rica.

Retiring in Costa Rica

Advice for people retiring in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica Visa & Residency Guide

Applying for residency in Costa Rica can be a daunting process. Which type of residency is right for me? Do I need an attorney? Do I have to leave the country every 90 days? What is a cedula? This article answers these and many other questions.

10 Tips for Living in Costa Rica

If you've recently arrived in Costa Rica, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Costa Rica.

Additional Information:

Visit our Costa Rica Index for a Full List

William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

Contribute
Help others in Costa Rica by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Costa Rica.