The fotoMuses latest exhibit: The Single Photograph
Downers Grove, IL - May 2, 2013 Influenced by the article, “The Single Photograph” by writer Joerg Colberg of Conscientious Extended, the fotoMuses, a woman's photography group, opens their latest exhibit on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at the Bloomingdale Museum located at 108 S. Bloomingdale Road, Bloomingdale, IL 60108. A complimentary reception will be held on Sunday, May 19 from 2-4 p.m.
Members of this acclaimed group of 13 photographic artists have created an assortment of styles that highlight their personal uniqueness and abilities. Celebrating their 14th year, this group of professional women situated mainly in the suburbs of Chicago is well-known for their themed exhibits.
Downers Grove photographer, Marita Blanken, is the group's curator for this exhibit. “While this exhibit as such is themed, this collection of almost 60 pieces represents our ‘isolated little beauties,' as Colberg describes in his article. These are favorite little gems that don't quite fit into our personal photography projects,” said Blanken.
Following Sir Isaac Newton's color spectrum, the fotoMuses created a piece of art in the exhibit layout itself, providing a dramatic expansion of color throughout the east room of the museum.
While these photographers work together as a group, each demonstrate their personal interests. Blanken's first love is photojournalism, but she also enjoys portraiture, nature and events. “I couldn't get enough of Norman Rockwell's work when I was growing up. A photographer first, he would place his subjects, photograph them and then create his piece.” Blanken described that as youngsters, she and her family were surrounded by his drawings and collector plates. She added, “I could say Rockwell's style of capturing a special moment lives inside me. I strive to create from the everyday.”
Blanken chose six images for this exhibit. “My favorite piece conveys a connection between author and reader; writer Shadoe Stevens connected so beautifully with a young child while at a reading of his book, “The Big Galoot.”
Downers Grove local, Linda Markese is exhibiting four pieces. She is drawn to color and the abstract, and often manipulates focus in her work. Markese realized how few images she had to submit to this exhibit. “I find more of my photographs belong to series.” Her current interests involve images of clouds, water, and abstract color. “I find I photograph that more than just the isolated photograph. This was a discovery to me.”
In addition to Blanken and Markese, the fotoMuses include Joanne Barsanti and Judy Kinal of Roselle, Noriko Buckles of Downers Grove, Diane Bruno and Delta Greene of Chicago, Janice Henry, Deborah Kolek and Jackye Revely of Bloomingdale, Aichen Ho of Naperville, Joan Kalmanek of Lisle, and Elizabeth Smartt of Elmhurst.
Blanken said the group is always looking for new ideas for their exhibits. Colberg provided a thought-provoking idea while inspiring them to bring this exhibit together so successfully.
The exhibit will be on display May 11 through June 22, 2013. A complimentary reception will be held from 2-4 p.m., Sunday, May 19 at the Bloomingdale Park District Museum, located at 108 S. Bloomingdale Road, Bloomingdale, IL 60108. (One block south of Bloomingdale Road and Lake Street (Rt. 20) intersection). Museum Hours: Wednesdays, 4-8 p.m.; Thursdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Saturdays, noon to 4 p.m. Phone: 630.539.3096
Conscientious founder and editor Jörg M. Colberg began publishing Conscientious in 2002. Conscientious is a website dedicated to contemporary fine-art photography. It offers daily profiles of photographers, in-depth interviews, exhibition and book reviews, and general articles about photography and related issues. More detailed contents – such as the interviews and longer articles, including contributions by guest writers – can be found in the “extended” section. Find his article at http://jmcolberg.com/weblog/extended/archives/the_single_photograph/