Program Advisory Committee
John Isaac is a distinguished member of VanArts' Advisory Board. As a photographer for the United Nations, he has photographed some of the world's most shameful tragedies from Afghanistan to Bosnia. After photographing the genocide in Rwanda, John found he was unable to continue working. His journey from despair to inspiration is evidenced in his moving photographs, which are the subject of this unique presentation.
Isaac's work with the UN, UNICEF and the Sierra Club has taken him to over 100 countries around the globe. Since retiring as Chief of the Photo Unit for the UN in 1998 he has continued his travels and produced several important books. The most recent, "The Vale of Kashmir", published in October of this year, takes an intimate look at the people and peaceful beauty of India's Kashmir region.
Award-winning photographer Alan Jacques has been involved in photography since 1972, starting out as a freelancer and instructor. He started his own film & video production company in 1981, which won him a Canadian Film & Television Association First Choice Award for his first film, Marathon - The Ultimate Challenge. In 1985 he left the film & video industry to pursue his interest in business and marketing, beginning a period of personal work.
In 2001 Alan re-discovered his passion for street photography, and continues to expand into new areas. His recent projects include Wires (a series of B/W photographs shot at Broadway & Main in Vancouver) and 3 Minutes 30 seconds (a study of the beauty and sensuality of the female form). His work has appeared in 14 gallery shows in Canada and the US, and in Black & White Magazine. He utilizes all 3 photographic media: digital, film and instant film. Alan lives in Langley, BC and has two teenage daughters. Though he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1991, the past 2 years have been the most photographically productive of his life.
