Although I am not usually drawn to landscapes, either in paintings or in photography, there is something about the work of Ansel Adams that quite literally can steal my breath away. Without intending to sound too “New Age”, his work is mysterious and borders on the mystical realm for me. His photos are quiet, and haunting. Some of his photographs make me think of natural architecture, with structure and with strength. And lucky for me, he will be hanging in the Phoenix Art Museum beginning the 31st of January and running through the 6th of June, 2010.
The exhibit will include one hundred and twenty of his photographs, along with his correspondence to friends and colleagues, film footage, negatives, his equipment and photographs of the artist himself. There are six aspects of his prolific career which will be highlighted. From his early works, to his photographs taken of the Southwest, with themes on the environment and aspect of his black and white photography as well as his works in color. Ansel Adams has focused throughout his life on his concern for and dedication to the preservation of the environment, be it natural, or cultural…as found in the photos of American ghost towns.
Along with his photographs, samples of his writings will be made available to the public, which will allow all those in attendance to grasp a deeper understanding of the man, his sensibilities and philosophies, and of his artwork. Through his life, Adams offered up his knowledge and his inspiration to students of the art of photography. He has published many instructional works, beginning in 1935 with his book, “Making a Photograph. He taught many workshops over the the years, as well as being on the faculty of the San Francisco Art Institute. For those traveling to the city to see the show, many of the best Phoenix hotels located downtown will offer shuttle services to and from the museum. This is a show, of the many offered at the Phoenix Art Museum, that should not be missed.
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