Enigmatic photos at McKay gallery

"El Otoño en la ciuidad depende del progreso" An exhibit of photographs by José Castillo Pazos will open at McKay Imaging Studio & Gallery in Red Bank Friday.

The title "Weltschmerz" translates loosely as the kind of feeling experienced by someone who understands that the physical reality can never satisfy the demands of the mind, according to the gallery.

An opening reception for the exhibition, the photographer's first solo show, will be held Friday, 7-10 p.m.

"Weltschmerz" will run through May 3 at McKay Imaging, located on the second floor of 12 Monmouth St. Gallery hours are Wednesday and Thursday 1-7 p.m., or by appointment.

Castillo was born in Quito, Ecuador, and as the child of an army officer, his life has been rather nomadic. He moved frequently until finally settling in Lincroft to formalize his study of photography.

His images are uncommon, one-of-a-kind pieces. Castillo does not feel the need to make many editions of each print, believing that "the feeling of getting a good print, of getting 'the one' is unique. When I used to reprint pictures, I felt nothing; and that I do not enjoy. Art without emotion is nothing!"

"Julio 28, 2037" Castillo's work is not spontaneous; it usually follows a theme. He searches for enigmatic prints and enjoys creating images that may not be understood immediately, but cause the viewer to wonder what the message behind the image is.

When questioned about their meaning, his reply is often the same: "The message is what you felt at the moment you saw the print; the message is simply to wonder and search for a personal answer."

For more information, contact the gallery at (732) 842-2272 or visit www.mckayimaging.com.

"Retrato de Angelus"