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past exhibitions
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Original Acts:
Photographs of African American Performers from the Paul R. Jones Collection February 5 - March 28, 2002 |
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| This exhibition presents images by a number of photographers who have either focused on African American performers exclusively, or whose portraits capture these performers at important turning points in their careers. Representing several geographic regions in terms of origin and training, the techniques exhibited range from the formal studio style of preeminent photographers Prentice Herman (P.H.) Polk and James Van Der Zee, to the stage-derived and more spontaneous approaches of California-based photographers William Crite and John H. Cochran, Jr., of Savannah, Georgia. | |||||||||
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| If a picture is worth a thousand words then there are volumes to be read in this exhibition. Original Acts: Photographs of African American Performers in the Paul R. Jones Collection offers numerous opportunities for the cultural expression of African Americans to be explored, in front of and behind the camera. From the operatic genius of Jessye Norman to the earthy pronouncement of Beverly “Guitar” Watkins that “wild women don’t sing the blues;” from the political undertones of a contemplative Amiri Baraka to the direct, poignant and compelling Denzel Washington; and, from the haunting, fleeting murmurs of a Miles Davis horn, to the sound of Wes “Warmdaddy” Anderson all over the place, there are entire stories being told along these gallery walls. At the same time, the work of those who created the images adds yet another significant dimension. For hidden in these photographs are more than examples of how the photographers perceive others, there are also clues as to how they see themselves. | |||||||||
| It is an ideal body of work to represent the Paul R. Jones Collection during the first anniversary celebration of the gift announcement. Photography is a critical component of the vast, eclectic collection. Its emphasis on African American culture is legendary. And much like the contributions of the performers whose lives and work are represented, as well as those who created them, it is larger than any single group, and more powerful than any false boundary. Amalia Amaki Curator of the Paul R. Jones Collection |
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THE UNIVERSITY MUSEUMS
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