Luther Gerlach, Montana Barn (detail)
Ambrotype on amethyst glass
Viewpoint Photographic Art Center is leading a new art movement in, making April photography month in Sacramento. They are encouraging other galleries to also show fine art photography in an effort to promote the medium. For this event, American River College Professor and Kaneko Gallery curator, Patricia Wood, has procured Luther Gerlach to show works in both galleries. Gerlach will also being giving a lecture and demonstration of his process on campus at American River College. See below for all dates and times of these events.
“Quite often, I feel as if my soul is in the past and my mind is in the future. The vintage cameras and processes I use have a magical quality, which helps me to bring forth an indefinable depth of feeling and poetic structure in my photographs. My primary concern is that my art communicates both on a factual level, as well as on one of beauty and emotion.” - Luther Gerlach, Artist Statement
When it comes to fine art photography, I regularly experience a disconnect from both the imagery and content, especially in viewing photographs that were captured or processed digitally. I miss the human touch. This is what I am especially excited by in these works as they are not made using modern technology or process.
They represent the preservation of human knowledge, the continuance of tradition and a dedication to repetitive process. These also happen to be the reasons why printmaking is my preferred medium for my own works. The creative act of working with outdated technologies and adopting them into a fine art practice creates a meaningful connection to the past, much in the way the way of traditional oral storytelling. A way to remember, continue, inform, and evolve.
Left: Luther Gerlach, Montana Barn 2017, Ambrotype on amethyst glass
Right: Luther Gerlach, Broken Windows 2017, Tintype on trophy aluminum
Luther Gerlach, Casitas Pass Cathedral 2017
Ambrotype on cobalt glass
Luther Gerlach, Last Flight 2012
Tintype on trophy aluminum
Left: Luther Gerlach, 10 Minutes 2015, Tintype on trophy aluminum
Right: Luther Gerlach, Back in Time #2 2015, Tintype on trophy aluminum
James Kaneko Gallery (American River College)
Works by Luther Gerlach: The Process of Passion
Exhibition: March 18 - April 14, 2018
Reception: Thursday, April 12, 2018, 5-6:45pm
Lecture: Thursday, April 12, 2018, 7pm, Raef Hall 160
Demo: Saturday, April 14, 2-4:30pm, between Administration and Theater (facing the iconic oak trees)
Viewpoint Photographic Art Center
Luther Gerlach: Mammoth Wet Plate Photography
Exhibition: April 10 - May 5, 2018
Reception (member event): Friday, April 13, 2018, 6-8:30pm
2nd Saturday Opening (general public): Saturday, April 14 5-9:00 pm