Singular Images - Opens October 2, 2009

(Click on card to enlarge)

Artist Statement

The photographs in the exhibit are singular images. They were made in reaction to a place (physical or mental), an environment, or an opportunity. They were not made as a part of a body of work.

Some images were made in a moment’s notice, even out of the car window. Some images were thought out as an expression of what I was feeling or thinking about. Some images were made when an opportunity presented itself to record a frozen instant of time. Some images were made when I wanted to look beyond the obvious characteristics and form of a subject.

The graffiti photographs were made several ago years on a beautiful sunny day at an abandoned water tank in rural New Mexico. While going through my archive, these images made an impression on my wife, Julie, and me. She felt that there was a concept waiting to be harvested. In the past, we have both made images of graffiti. Typically we use a smaller detail out of a larger scene for the subject. This same concept was applied to the two photographs of graffiti - the larger scene is broken down into smaller singular images.

The installation concept of the exhibit was created, designed and implemented by Julie Kern of Satch Art Studio.

The graffiti photographs were made with a 4”x5” Crown Graphic. All other photographs were made with a Diana+ or a Holga, both plastic cameras. The photographs are archivally printed on Museo Silver Rag paper.

Enormous thanks to Robert Lebow, M.D., Steve, Shannon, Greg, Michael and everybody at Midland for making this exhibit possible. Special thanks to Johnathan for placing exhibit postcards all over downtown Indianapolis.

Ron Kern

September 2009

The Spirit of Place: Northern New Mexico Opens Tonight

Here's a reminder that there is an artist reception this evening from 5 to 8 PM at Midland Arts, 488 Gradle Drive in Carmel. Please join us this evening, bring a friend or two, have a glass of wine and enjoy the exhibit. Remember, the Carmel International Arts Festival is this weekend. Stopping by Midland Arts to relax after attending the festival would be a perfect way to unwind.

The early reviews of the work are very positive. I look forward to sharing the photographs and answering any questions about the work.

The Exhibit: Photographs presenting the spirit of the culture and landscape of Northern New Mexico.

Opening Saturday, September 26, 2009 in conjunction with the Carmel International Arts Festival

Opening Reception Hosted by Midland Arts: Saturday, September 26, 5 - 8 PM

Artist Reception: Sunday, October 11, 1 - 4 PM (Satch and I will be hosting this one)

Exhibit Ends: November 30, 2009

Northern New Mexico can simply mean the northern part of New Mexico, but in cultural terms it typically means the area of heavy Spanish settlement and the eight northern Indian pueblos located in the north central portion of the state.

The Spanish and Native American cultures, many times intertwined, meld with the landscape, sky and ever-changing light making Northern New Mexico an intoxicating and inspiring place.

The Spanish and Native American cultures meld with the landscape, sky and ever-changing light, making Northern New Mexico an inspiring place.

The arts are an inescapable and important element in the culture. Pueblo potters and jewelers, and Spanish carvers and weavers, are all a large part of the fabric of life. Over the years, artists from all parts of the world have made their way to Northern New Mexico. Many exceptional artists, such as Sharp, Blumenschein, Higgins, Fechin and O’Keefe made Northern New Mexico their home and not only left their indelible mark on the art world, but also helped shape the way we view, and think about, Northern New Mexico.

Religion is an important part of day to day life in New Mexico and is the basis for the rich history of the southwestern United States and especially Northern New Mexico. The eventual conquest of the Native Americans by the Spanish resulted in Catholicism being the predominant religion of the region. But, the Catholic religion does not have a straightforward existence. The pueblo culture intertwines Catholicism with ancient Indian religious rites. One will find both Catholic churches and kivas in pueblo villages. The Penitente Brotherhood has a long history in Northern New Mexico and is still active. Morada’s dot the landscape where the Brotherhood meets to serve its community.

Northern New Mexico is rich in its cultural significance, spirituality and landscape - the oldest church in the United States is in Santa Fe, Native Americans continue to sell their wares at the Palace of the Governors, deep red light envelopes the Sangre de Cristo (Blood of Christ) mountains at sunset, evidence of miracles abound at Santuario de Chimayo, Spanish villages are tucked into the mountains on the High Road to Taos, Taos Pueblo, and on and on. Experiencing the sacred spirit found in all that embodies and forms Northern New Mexico’s history and existence will change one’s perspective on life.

Over the course of many, many years of visiting and experiencing Northern New Mexico, I made numerous photographs, some of which are in this exhibit of fine photography that presents the spirit of this captivating and fascinating place.

Ron Kern
September 2009