Nudity, Sore Losers & the Outhouse: Controversial Photo Exhibit Opens at Red Bluff Art Gallery

Sept. 28, 2009 - PRLog -- “Images From A Glass Eye” is an International Juried Exhibit that opens, amidst controversy, with an Artists’ Reception, this Friday, October 2nd, from 5-8 PM, at the Red Bluff Art Gallery, 601 Walnut.

Controversy over the exhibit involves many factors, including some competition entrants who were disqualified, nudity, and the strange appearance of a life-sized outhouse in the middle of the exhibition, which some consider “offensive”.

“At least I can explain the outhouse,” says Phil Dynan, Co-Director at the gallery, “It is part of a solo exhibit by English photographer, John Todd.”

The “outhouse” is actually a piece of “installation art”, according to Dynan. When a visitor goes inside the outhouse, they sit down and are facing a window. Through the window they are able to watch a ten-hour period of “time-lapse” photography which reveals a cycle of night and day in a small English village.

John Todd, who teaches photography in Leeds (UK) took about 2000 photos over ten hours, snapping a shot about every 20 seconds. The pictures begin with the village of Luddenden in the daytime, gradually showing the sunset, and the moonrise above the village. Sheep, cows, cars and people go about their business in the sequence, which runs as a short film.

Local photographers who were selected for the “Glass Eye” exhibit include Alfred Nandino, with four selections; both Christine and Adam Wyman, Sandi Howell, Lynae Condit, Steve Arrison, Ernie Giesker, Amy Andrews, Marian Petersen, Judy Turner, John Bradford, Bruce Perkin, and S.J. Luke. Most of the local photographers are members of the Tehama County Photo Club and most of them were selected for awards by Judge, Jennifer Wu. There are over $1000 in prizes being awarded by the Gallery.

One local photographer was disqualified when he brought in a nude photograph of a local woman, but failed to provide a “model’s release” for the photo. Pictures cannot be legally displayed in public without such a “release” by the subject of the photo. The entrant eventually produced the document, but long past the competition deadline, even though he had been given an extension of time to “find” the document.

A third exhibit opening the same night is Anastasia’s “Fresh Perspectives” which features a selection of new images from this professional landscape and portrait photographer.

Artists with new work featured in the gallery include local favorites like Jay Murphy, Eugenie, Mary Severson, Angela Edmonds, Chuck Prudhomme, Frank Kitchen, Reeba Barrows, Asya Lesly, Janet Flanagan, Marianna Love, Tegwin Matenaer, D'Ann Bourne, John N. Stewart, Woody Thomson, Linda Ross, Bruce Ross, Darryll Warren, and Matt & Kimberly Show.

The Reception will be Friday, October 2nd from 5-8 p.m.  There is no charge to attend. Dress is casual and all ages are welcome. More information at www.RedBluffArtGallery.com or 529-1332.

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The Red Bluff Art Gallery is the only International Art Gallery north of Sacramento. It was founded in 2007 by Phil and Ana Dynan. It now features work from Africa, South America, Europe, Scandanavia as well as some local art.