Georgia College & State University held a photography exhibition Jan. 22 at its Underwood House Gallery. Students and community members were invited to view work created by Seth Cook’s intermediate and honors photography students.
“The students explored conceptual photography through portraiture,” Cook said. “We naturally interpret art in our own ways, so keep an open mind as you walk through the exhibition.”
Student and local photographer Robbie Hattaway showcased work captured with pinhole cameras. This method uses a small hole instead of a lens to let light in, creating images with objects rather than cameras.
“Many of the photos were taken at Central State Hospital and I made the pinhole cameras out of boxes and cans,” Hattaway said. “I mainly used film because I found that it creates a better image than the light sensitive paper.”
Hattaway set his pinhole cameras on display in front of his work on tripods for viewers to see.
Other students, such as Eva Snape and Savannah Carley, explored themes of family through photos of their own families. Snape used candid shots to share moments of grief while Carley used formal, posed shots to share her message.
“By treating portraiture as a space where connection is visually formed, the series emphasizes how identity within a family grows through emotional experiences rather than genetic resemblance,” Carley said.
Student Holly Cade showcased diversity in her exhibition by posing people of different cultures in their traditional wear.
“Growing up in one area often does not enable the opportunity to learn more about people from different cultures,” Cade said. “Because of that, this series is meant to provide more information to the viewers.”
Other photographers included in this exhibition were Maren Cline, Caroline Wood, Imani Cooper, Brianna Heard, Hilary Henderson, Holly Cade, Janelle Tyler, and Alina Pishock.
Cook said he wants his students to get experience in setting up exhibitions and encourages them to submit to shows and contests. He feels it is important for students to put their work out into the community, which is why he put together this show.
Underwood House Gallery provides students with the opportunity to present work in a professional setting, allowing them to exhibit their work to their peers and community. The next exhibition, featuring student capstone projects, will be held at the end of the school semester in May.