Here in the 21st century we all have a staggering array of tools available for photographic depiction & manipulation. Highly acute cameras riding along in our cell phones are terrifically well suited to the depiction of people, places, objects and even documents, and Instagram – type presets can immediately transform the “look” to emphasize a particular mood. The overall level of everyday photography has risen greatly over the last decade as a result. However, certain earlier disciplines are in danger of being unintentionally relegated to the realm of the quaint; this show will attempt to present one of these approaches with clarity & impact.
The shots on display here from Larry & Bob represent the 20th century esthetic known as Straight Photography. In its generative form, this style distinguished itself from Pictorialism by implying a specific aesthetic typified by higher contrast and rich tonality, sharp focus, aversion to cropping the image as originally framed, and a Modernist-inspired emphasis on the underlying abstract geometric structure of subjects. Most importantly, straight photography is about establishing an instant connection with the viewer based on an instant impression recorded by the photographer.
The subject matter will include nature, celebrities, classic style street photography, stage shots & environmental portraiture.
Opening Night Reception Friday, March 4 from 6-9 p.m. with beer, wine, and refreshments. Rick Quarles will be performing jazz interpretations from the American Song Book on electronic keyboard.
Focus will be on developing a connection between viewers and photographers at the Straight Shooters Photo Exhibit March 4-20 at the Marshall J. Gardner Center for the Arts in the Miller Beach section of Gary.
Larry Lapidus and Bob Palmieri, professional photographers with more than 70 years of combined experience, will display close to 100 of their images.
Lapidus’ photos were taken on breaks from his career as a renowned New York portrait photographer during his travels to France, Mexico, and Italy in the 1980s. Palmieri, whose images have appeared in the New York Times and Chicago Tribune, will highlight more eclectic subject matter, including nature, celebrities, classic-style street photography, stage shots, and environmental portraiture.
In a mission statement, the two friends stated, “In the 21st century we have a staggering array of tools for photographic depiction and manipulation. The overall level of photography has risen greatly over the last decade. Certain earlier disciplines are in danger of being relegated to the realm of ‘quaint.’ This show will attempt to present one of these approaches with clarity and impact.”
“At its core,” they maintained. “Straight Photography is about establishing an instant connection with the viewer based on an instant impression recorded by the photographer.”
Straight Shooters Photo Exhibit will be on display from March 4 – 20 at the Marshall J. Gardner Center for the Arts, 540 S. Lake St., Gary, IN. Gallery hours are: Fridays & Saturdays 6-9 p.m.; Sundays 1-4 p.m.
The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. Everyone is welcome!
“Straight Shooters” is part of our Exhibits series.
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