In a simple vignette, the well-composed portrait can make bold statements about culture, values, social norms, and aspirations. It gives a glimpse of humanity, and vulnerability – it can be fragile, iconic, haunting.
The 2021 Atlanta Celebrates Photography Ones To Watch selection by independent curator Mary Stanley features ten emerging and established photographers who are using portraiture to highlight the importance of human connection. They explore personal narratives, dispel myths, and investigate new techniques for uncovering honest depictions of their world and their people. These artists make strong statements about identity and intimacy and raise questions about social norms and family values. They take great care to know their subject(s) and to represent them with empathy. They challenge the viewer to want to know more.
Nydia Blas, Shawn Campbell, Jasmine Clarke, Kristen Joy Emack, Anthony Francis, Peyton Fulford, R.J. Kern, Andrew Lyman, Pierre Solomon, and Gabriella Wyke have each garnered impressive recognition for their work, but more importantly they are assertive and industrious. They continue to dive deep to bring to light that which has meaning and beauty, creating images that will endure and inform.
Presented by Mary Stanley Studio at Mint Gallery. Read the Lenscratch interview with Mary Stanley about the show.
In-Person: Exhibition Oct 01 - Nov 06
In-Person: Opening Reception Oct 01 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/169355545997
In-Person: Artist’s Talk Nov 04 7:00PM - 9:00PM
Join us for an artist talk by photographer and One to Watch Nydia Blas at MINT Gallery Thursday, November 4 at 7:00 PM. Blas is a frequent contributor to NY Times, The New Yorker, The Atlantic, and The Washington Post is well regarded for her emotionally charged portraiture and her insight into the complexities of the black female identity.
MINT Gallery Presented by Mary Stanley Studio
Wed-Sun: 11AM – 6PM
Online: Artist's Talk Oct 23 2:00PM - 4:00PM
Moderated by Stephanie Dowda DeMer, featuring Shawn Campbell and José Ibarra Rizo.
Artists José Ibarro Rizo and Shawn Campbell both explore portraiture as a source of identity and storytelling in transformative ways. This artist dialogue will cover each artists' innovative studio practice, influences in pop culture and classical image making, as well as how their work reshapes social identities.