The Third Street Artist-In-Residence Program is a new program aiming to bring working artists/photographers into the Lafayette community.

Category: Artist

This semester we had the pleasure of hosting Deanna Lawson .  Lawson’s work focuses on the psychological, personal, political and historical experiences that are expressed through the body. Lawson brought a diverse and refreshing energy to Lafayette College.

During Lawson’s visit she met with senior thesis students and helped critique the progress of Digital Photography III students. IMG_4669The students loved Lawson’s advice, insight and most importantly, her honesty. This candor sentiment translates in her work, which she presented during her artist lecture. When she was not interacting with the students, Lawson worked on printing her own images from a recent trip down IMG_4680South.

The large format photos paired with a large print medium, allows for us to appreciate the detail in her vibrant portraits. Her images are beautifully constructed and tell the stories of the working class. During her artist talk she spoke about the process in which she chooses subjects to photograph, “I approach people in every day life that look interesting to me.” She approaches potential subjects and exchanges contact to schedule a photo shoot. Lawson’s process is unique in that she photographs her subjects in their own space. This intimacy reflects in her family portraiture, which is personalized and genuine, despite her subjects being strangers. Lawson is currently back at Lafayette shooting the local residents of
Easton, using the same selection process.

 

Artist Talk- Isidro Blasco

I was first introduced to Isidro Blasco last week when he gave a talk to the sculpture and Photo II classes. Although he is a world-renowned artist, having showed in China, Australia, Madrid and New York City, he is still humble and personable. When asked if he considers himself a photographer, he replied, ” I just have a good camera, go and shoot and hope for the best.”

In his formal artist talk on November 15th in the Williams Art Center, he showed us some of his most famous work. His latest piece is an Architectural Installation of a deconstructed lane-way showing in Sydney, Australia. The installation is the same size as the buildings it surrounds and fits in quite perfectly with its environment. Although it is not a perfect reconstruction, in terms of the placement of the photographs, it is so beautifully crafted and executed that the imperfection ironically adds a realistic element.

We also had the honor of seeing his film entitled “Elusive Here” which is a dream dramatization that references his life and career. He describes the film as “a narrative of my transitional moments.” He uses his deconstructive method to provide the viewer with different perspectives of a single event or idea. I believe one of the most intriguing and interesting parts of the film is when he “sees” his ex girlfriends from Spain, in women he encounters in the MoMA in NYC.

The beauty lies with a disconnect of the woman from the place he has met her. So the viewer is hearing the narration of how these women relate to his past lovers, but the scene is a solo shot of this new woman standing in front of a white wall. As the narration continues, she stands in character, unaware of the story being told. Periodically an image appears on the white wall behind the woman that is parallel to the narration. Blasco’s use of deconstruction, tells his story in such a beautiful and memorable way.

Isidro Blasco is the true definition of a versatile artist. He has found his strength and applied it many art forms. From his sculptures, to his films, to his architectural installations, he seems to be an artist of no boundaries.

 

We are proud and honored to have Isidro Blasco as our Third Street Artist- in- Residence and excited to see what work he does here at Lafayette College.

Maria Martinez-Cañas

Cuban-born photographer Maria Martinez-Cañas will be visiting Lafayette College on October 16th and 17th in conjuncture with her show, “Maria Martinez-Cañas: Photographs” on display in the Williams Center Gallery from October 8- December 18.  The exhibition is part of Lehigh Valley Photography Month, November 2011.  More than 40 local galleries and art organizations will showcase a vibrant selection of contemporary and traditional photography throughout the Lehigh Valley.  While here, she will meet with various classes both in and outside of the Art Department.  She will also be offering a lecture open to the public.

Artist Talk: October 17, 2011, 4:10pm Williams 108

Examples of her work can be seen at:

http://www.mariamartinez-canas.com/MainFirstPage.html


Atul Bhalla

Our first visiting artist of the 2011-2012 school year will be renown Indian artist, Atul Bhalla.  He will be visiting Lafayette College on October 3rd- 5th.  His visit will coincide with an exhibition of his work at the Grossman Gallery entitled “Water Works”, on display through October 15th.  The exhibition includes a sculpture installation, photographs, video and watercolors.  During his visit, Bhalla will visit with classes from various departments including Art, Religious Studies and Environmental Studies, meet with advanced students and give an Artist Talk open to the public.

Artist Talk: October 5, 2011,  4:10pm Williams 108