News Release

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20th-century, recent photography
compared in Ackland exhibition

CHAPEL HILL - Comparing the work of mid-20th-century photographers to that of more recent artists will be the theme of an exhibition opening Sunday (Oct. 8) at the Ackland Art Museum.

"Depth of Field: Expanding Perspectives in 20th Century and Contemporary Photography" will be displayed though Dec. 31 at the museum, part of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. A free public opening reception will be from 7-9 p.m. Oct. 13.

The eight earlier photographers represented, each with about 10 works displayed, will be Berenice Abbott (1898-1991), Robert Adams (1937- ), Harold Edgerton (1903-1990), Robert Frank (1924- ), Danny Lyon (1942- ), Aaron Siskind (1903-1991), Minor White (1908-1976) and Garry Winogrand (1928-1984).

With each of those artists’ grouping of works, “Depth of Field” will display one photograph by an artist whose work appeared within the last
25 years. The more recent photographers represented include Carl Chiarenza, Marco Breuer, Rimma Gerlovina, Valeriy Gerlovin, Richard Misrach, Julie Moos, Sebastiao Salgado, Gary Schneider and Krizystof Wodiczko.

In all, 85 photographs will be displayed, with information about the photographers and their careers.

"Comparing these photographs reveals unexpected relationships between different generations of artists," said exhibition co-curator Barbara Matilsky. "Although each artist's interpretation of the medium reflects a different approach and sensibility, they all have expanded the art of photography in some way, stretching the definition of what a photograph can be."

The classic, small-format black-and-white prints contrast with the large-scaled, color photographs that have defined the medium in recent years, she said. The pairings in "Depth of Field" suggest connections between the older and more contemporary works - parallels in the choice of subject, attitudes toward form and composition and openness to the experimental nature of the medium.

"People will enjoy this exhibition, because everyone has dabbled in photography in some way - to capture moments with their family, beautiful scenery on a trip, or a memorable scene that they happen to witness," Matilsky said.

"What elevates a photograph from a mundane view of reality to an art? This exhibition contains clues to this often-asked question and provides an introduction to the wide range of interpretations and approaches that have distinguished the field over the past 75 years."

The Ackland is on South Columbia Street near Franklin Street. Admission is free. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. The museum stays open until 9 p.m. on the second Friday of every month. For more information, call (919) 843-1611 (recorded information), (919) 966-5736 (museum office), (919) 962-0837 (TTY) or visit www.ackland.org. For program details, call (919) 843-3676.

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Image URLs: http://www.unc.edu/news/pics/ackland/abbott.jpg
http://www.unc.edu/news/pics/ackland/white.jpg
http://www.unc.edu/news/pics/ackland/winogrand1.jpg

Ackland contact: Maria Bleier, (919) 843-3675, maria_bleier@unc.edu