Karl Blossfeldt, Urformen der Kunst (page 41), 1928/1929, photogravure. Gift of Arlette and Gus Kayafas in honor of Jennifer Gross. Photograph by Clements Photography and Design, Boston.
The Trustees and deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum announce the fall opening of Photosynthesis, a museum-wide celebration and examination of photography spanning a range of topics and artists. Opening October 12 and on view through March 29, 2020, Photosynthesis comprises three separate shows featuring works drawn from deCordova’s permanent collection along with loans from artists and private collectors. All of deCordova’s galleries will be devoted to photography during this period.
All the Marvelous Surfaces: Photography Since Karl Blossfeldt explores the impact of Blossfeldt’s acclaimed 1920s series “Art Forms in Nature” on present-day approaches to ornamentation, scale, and abstraction. Peter Hutchinson: Landscapes of My Life offers visitors a rare opportunity to view photographs and photo collages by an underrecognized pioneer of Land Art. Truthiness and the News examines the evidentiary role of photography from the first half of the 20th century to the current age of post-truth politics.
Charles “Teenie” Harris, Girl reading on stacks of Pittsburgh Courier newspapers, c. 1940, printed 2001, silver gelatin print. Gift of Gus and Arlette Kayafas. Photograph by Clements Photography and Design, Boston.
“We are excited to present three timely exhibitions that unite photography’s expansive capacity for artistic expression and engagement with urgent contemporary issues,” said Sarah Montross, senior curator. “Photography is often considered the most democratic artistic medium — a form of imagery that we all use and absorb daily but may not have time to question and appreciate. These shows blur the lines between nature and art, fact and fiction, and reveal photography’s potency in shaping perception of the world around us.”
Other events related to Photosynthesis:
Art and Journalism in the Era of Post-Truth Politics
Saturday, Nov. 2, 1–4:30 p.m.
In conjunction with Truthiness and the News, this symposium brings together journalists, historians, and artists to reflect on how we look at images and read the news critically in an age in which the concept of truth seems to hold ever less weight. Free with admission or membership
Gallery Talk with Artist Lucy Kim
Wednesday, Nov. 13, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Join artist Lucy Kim and curator Sarah Montross for an in-gallery conversation about Kim’s work in relation to photographs in All the Marvelous Surfaces. Free; registration requested.
Peter Hutchinson, Conflicting Seasons: Alliterative Landscape Series, 2002, photo and ink on board. Collection of the artist. Photograph by Clements Photography and Design, Boston.
What’s Your Truth? Art-Making Workshop with Emily Bhargava
Saturday, Nov. 16, 10 am–12:30 pm
Using newspapers, magazines, and advertisements as source materials, put your truth on display with a glass and collage project inspired by the Truthiness exhibition. Tickets required ($40 for members, $45 for nonmembers).
Art and the Environment: A Local History
Thursday, Nov. 21, 6:30–8 p.m.
How have artists responded to New England’s diverse coastal and river ecosystems, as well as the region’s layered indigenous, colonial, and industrial histories? Art historian Kirsten Swenson connects past and present environmental art and landscape design, from Frederick Law Olmsted to Mierle Laderman Ukeles, Mags Harries, and Lajos Héder. Free; registration requested.
Art Nouveau Mosaic Workshop
Wednesdays, December 4 and 11, 6:30–9 p.m.
Inspired by exhibition artworks and Karl Blossfeldt’s art nouveau influences, create a nature-inspired mosaic in this two-session workshop with artist Emily Bhargava. Tickets are $75 for members, $90 for nonmembers; click here to purchase.
Curator-led tour of Truthiness and the News
Thursday, Jan. 30, 6–7 p.m.
Join Koch Curatorial Fellow Sam Adams for an in-depth walkthrough of exhibition Truthiness and the News. Free; registration requested.