Professor Paul Shambroom projects
on view at the Minnesota Museum of American Art,
Also featuring Alum Andy Mattern (MFA '12)
August 20-October 18Public reception: September 10, 7:00-8:30pm
Turdbird (from series “Lost”), 2013, Pigmented inkjet on paper, 24X24 inches
From the Minnesota Museum of American Art's website:
The principal series in the exhibition is Lost, which features photographs whose imagery is taken from old flyers of lost pets placed by owners in public places in cities across the U.S. Shambroom's use of found imagery is a departure for the artist, who is known for large photographs that explore the mechanisms of power in sharply focused detail.
The lost pet images have been degraded by environmental factors or printer malfunctions, resulting in serendipitous and unexpected color and texture. The additional partial loss (of the image) mirrors the ambiguous loss of a beloved family pet. The incorporation of short selections of text from the posters introduces unintentional humor and beauty in the form of found poetry. The words and images combine to transcend the particular family dramas represented in each image, and address more universal themes of loss and uncertainty. Shambroom’s actions also raise ethical questions about originality, privacy, and ownership that are timely in this age of digital information.
Lost will be accompanied by a digital slideshow of pets reunited with their owners through the tireless efforts of the volunteer community organization Lost Dogs Minnesota and Lost Cats MN. Information about area shelters like the Humane Society, rescue organizations, and additional resources will be available in recognition of the important work that they do.
Also on view will be a selection of photographs in the serial documentary style of Shambroom’s earlier projects. Shrines: Public Weapons in America documents weapons of war that have been repurposed as public monuments commemorating the dead.
The third project featured in the exhibition sees Shambroom collaborating with Albuquerque-based photographer Andy Mattern. They were surprised to discover that they‘d been working on the same project of documenting orphaned gloves on the street independent of one another. Over one hundred unique photographs from their ongoing series will be on view. Editioned prints and artist books will be available for purchase, all proceeds of which will be used to purchase gloves for area homeless shelter, the Dorothy Day Center.
Exhibition on view: August 20-October 18, 2015
Public reception: September 10, 7:00-8:30 pm
Artist Talk: Paul Shambroom and Andy Mattern, September 12, 1:00-2:00pm
Hours + info here.
