Arts Night Out, May 2018:
Where We Are
Photo Exhibition
Opening Reception: May 11th, 2018, 6-8pm
Celebrating CLICK’s Second Year Anniversary on Market St, Northampton
Where We Are | First Floor Open Space
This 90-photograph exhibition explores the idea of place and being. Through their own artistic lense and interpretation, six photographers capture the notion of where we are as a society, physically, politically, socially and emotionally. All of the artists share their perspectives and commentary on the world through social media and were selected for their strong Instagram presence. Their online reach is indicative of where we are technologically, and how it can bring us together as a society, even from very remote parts of the globe.
Artists Statements:
Melissa Cooper (@lilmisswhimsypix)
“I am absolutely in LOVE with color, I have a healthy respect for humor and I'm always looking for the next new photo challenge. I hope that it is reflected /translated in my artistic processes. As for the purists? Not all of my "work" could be considered "photography", I enjoy the editing process so much that I just might end up with an "image" rather than a "photograph", but they all start out with the click from my camera. Hey! Art is art! That's what I do.”
Andy Castillo (@visual_musings)
“No matter where I go, my heart is always here, in my Pioneer Valley home. It's tethered to the fertile soil that rolls up from the glistening Connecticut River into surrounding hills. This collection of photographs is a visual representation of my connection to the land. Western Massachusetts doesn’t have majestic mountains like those the west, or wild forests from the
midwest, but it does have a simple beauty that seeps under your skin and can’t be shaken.”
Dawa Drolma (@dawadrolma)
“We are in a small valley called Menshod located on The Roof of the World. We are a Tibetan community with a population of around 6,300 people who are agro-pastoralists. Here we have more than 11 different genres of arts that are practiced by one third of the population. Here we build our houses with songs and dances. Here we measure our success by the positive contribution we made to the world. Here we believe everything is interdependent, so we were nurtured to be compassionate, loving, and grateful to everything around us.”
Jeff Kelley (@postaljeff)
“I love living in the Pioneer Valley, and it’s hard to believe that when we moved our family here fourteen years ago, we knew little to nothing about the area. In some ways, I still feel like a tourist, trying to find new places I have yet to explore. Alternatively, there are certain areas (i.e. downtown Northampton) where I’m pretty sure I could fill in as the local tour guide. These two sentiments may explain why I often seem to get the following comments about my pictures: “Where was this taken? I don’t recognize this spot, and I’ve lived here all my life!”; or “I know that place! I’ve never seen it in this light.” Whether you’re a local or not, I hope you enjoy this collection of photos from the area.”
Gabrielle K. Murphy (@goldilocksoftheshire)
“The theme, “Where We Are” is somewhat of a constant in my work. Though my subjects may vary, I am steadfast in that my ultimate goal is to convey a sense of energy that represents not only what I saw, but also what was felt; thereby creating a special connection between the moment, the viewer and me. It is my hope that this intention flows through my work, allowing the viewer to engage emotionally and to feel a sense of place, a sense of time, and a sense of being.”
Darren Port (@greeninspires)
“Composed over the past few years, mostly in the Valley, from marches and rallies, or other social and community gatherings, the photographs in the, “Where We Are” show primarily explore where we are in a social-political context."
All pieces will be available for purchase; proceeds will benefit the artist and the Art Program at CLICK.
The opening reception for this show will be held on Friday, May 11th from 6 to 8pm at CLICK Workspace (9 ½ Market St., Northampton, MA 01060).
Light refreshments and drinks will be served.
