Two exhibits, showcasing traditional and non-traditional photography, grace the walls at the University of New Mexico Art Museum. The shows are organized to coincide with PhotoArts ABQ, a citywide presentation of photography, scheduled to open on July 15.
Photo: Eliot Porter, Untitled (Fallen aspen leaves, New Mexico) 1951
“Looking Back at the Present – Photography and New Media,” contains the work of faculty who have taught at UNM since the 1960s and new work by MFA photography graduate students. Tom Barrow, Betty Hahn, Wayne R. Lazorik, and Anne Noggle represent work done by former faculty. Current faculty work on display is by Miguel Gandert, Patrick Nagatani, Joyce Neimanas, Joceyln Nevel, Adrienne Slinger and Jim Stone. Several other artists are included.
A description of the exhibit credits the distinguished UNM core faculty who explored making images along different artistic paths. Their imagery covered traditional black and white photography, the documentary genre, autobiographical issues, portraiture, ideas of feminism and popular culture, color photography and conceptual work.
As evidence of faculty accomplishments, UNM continues to rank among the top graduate programs in the country for the study of photography. It is believed that the diversity of creative approaches among the photography faculty has always been, and remains one of the strengths of the artists teaching at UNM.
“Eliot Porter’s Natural World,” includes elegant dye-transfer prints by one of the world’s masters of landscape and nature photography. His work has had tremendous influence on the genre. Porter was a pioneer in color techniques, especially the dye-transfer process that he perfected to photograph birds more accurately. The nearly extinct elaborate technique is noted for its permanence and color fidelity.
In 1939, Porter’s images were included in the first exhibition by the Department of Photography at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Photo historian and former UNM faculty member Beaumont Newhall curated the show. The same year, Porter and his wife moved to Santa Fe, where he lived and worked until his death in 1990 at the age of 89.
Porter’s view of nature is both intimate and private while also being accessible to a large audience. Environmental concerns would be a lifelong concern for Porter and his work was frequently used in support of these issues. All Porter photos on display are from the University Art Museum extensive collection.
A reception for both exhibits will be Friday, July 15 from 5 – 7 p.m. Exhibits are scheduled through September 25. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesday evenings, 5 to 8 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m. and during most events at Popejoy Hall.
Contact: Michael Certo, (505) 277-7312