Widener Gallery will present Devotion, an exhibition of 25 photographs that capture the essence of human devotion to others, to memories, or to self, from November 11 through December 9.
The exhibition presents a selection of images by 11 prominent photographers from the collection of the Watkinson Library at Trinity College. An opening reception will be held at the gallery in the Austin Arts Center on November 14, 12:15 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
Devotion includes classic gelatin silver prints of images by Mike Disfarmer, František Drtikol, Leonard Freed, Ken Heyman, Henry Horenstein, Leon Levinstein, Jacques Lowe, Danny Lyon, Erika Stone, Lou Stoumen, and William Witt. The photographs, taken between 1925 and 1981, all share moments of human connectedness, exploring love, family, friendship, kinship, and care from childhood through adulthood.
“Subjects may or may not be aware of the photographer, yet the power of these photographs lies in a relationship of trust and mutual respect between the photographer and the human beings they have chosen to memorialize,” noted exhibition curator Adrian Martinez Chavez, visiting assistant professor of the practice in fine arts.
Each photographer delves into the nuances and complexities of human interaction, revealing how love is present in everyday moments—whether through a simple touch, a shared glance between two people, or at times, a direct collaboration between a subject and a photographer. From Erika Stone’s joyful images of kids playing in the streets of New York City, to Lou Stoumen’s intimate views of couples in tender embraces, each photograph reflects a microcosm of commitment and care.
Thanks to generosity of a small group of donors, shepherded by Michael Mattis and Judith Hochberg, the Watkinson Library’s photography collection provides an important pedagogical resource for students, faculty, and community members interested in understanding our historical past and the trajectory of the art of photography.
The exhibition is free and open to the public from Monday through Saturday, 1:00 – 5:00 p.m., and by appointment.
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