"Is the world really black or white? Or is it a wider range of shades of grey?'' That is the question well-known local photographer Graeme Outerbridge poses in relation to his one-man exhibition of original silverprints, now under way at Hamma Galleries.

Answering the question himself he says: "In black and white photography these philosophical questions are transformed into a visual zone system, or variations of extremes.'' While acknowledging that colour photography "has a rich, sensual quality which reflects a different reality'', Mr. Outerbridge says "black and white photography anchors us to a certain time and place while rushing us further adrift into the past''.

"The subject of a black and white print returns our gaze in the present, while establishing a new dimension in our own imagination,'' he says. "Both the horror and the magnificence of the world can be examined and revealed in its purest form.'' Mr. Outerbridge, 50, holds an Associate of Arts in American Literature from the University of Maryland, as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree from the same university, and is a highly successful photographer whose work is internationally recognised.

His first solo exhibition was at Hamma Galleries in 1975, and in addition to many subsequent solo exhibitions he has participated in group exhibitions both here and abroad.

Entitled "Black and White'', the current exhibition consists of 16 varied works ranging in price from $1500 to $2500. It continues through April 14.