OSU Museum of Art shines light on new Brett Weston exhibit

Brett Weston (American, 1911-1993), "Ice," 1978, silver gelatin print, 13 3/8 x 10 3/4 inches. Gift from the Christian Keesee Collection, OSU Museum of Art, 2023.007.029.

OSU Museum of Art shines light on new Brett Weston exhibit

Thursday, October 17, 2024

Media Contact: Casey Ihde | OSU Museum of Art Marketing and Communications | 405-744-2783 | [email protected]

The work of renowned photographer Brett Weston will soon be on display at the Oklahoma State University Museum of Art.

"Shadows and Light: The Photography of Brett Weston," which will be on view Oct. 29, 2024 - Feb. 1, 2025, showcases Weston's unique photography style.

Weston (American, 1911-1993) was mentored in photography from a young age by his father, Edward Weston. By the age of 13, Weston's father removed him from school to work on a photography project together in Mexico. While there, Brett Weston was exposed to the work of famous artists such as Tina Modotti, Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.

Weston's unique photography style played a major role in securing him a spot as one of American's most prominent photographic artists. By working with lighting and placement of objects, Weston blended objects into the background while still showcasing how they're two separate entities.

Weston perfected this skill during his extensive travels. While traveling, Weston lived outdoors in his "camera vehicle," eating what he called "gorp" ("good ol' raisins and peanuts").

Weston's work often amazes and confuses viewers with its complex relationships between subject and background. The most well-known strategy of representational photography, where the subject is brighter than the background, is upended in Weston's photographs. In his work, the subject and background are seamlessly blended while still being distinct.

Andy Mattern, OSU associate professor of art, graphic design and art history, has emphasized how everyone can benefit from viewing Weston's work in various ways.

"Exhibits like Brett Weston's are an important resource not only for students studying the history of photography, but also those who wish to expand their appreciation for photography as an art form," Mattern said. "Especially in our hyper-digital age, seeing this type of highly crafted photographic work in person represents a unique chance to understand the development of the medium and perhaps begin to see the world in a new way."

Weston understood the immense difference between a camera's perspective and human vision. This understanding laid the foundation for Weston's success.

Weston upheld his prestige throughout his career, and even after his death in 1993. Weston has been continuously viewed as an innovative photographer who revolutionized subject-background relationships.

This exhibition showcases Weston's artworks and invites viewers to ponder his captivating yet puzzling work.

"Shadows and Light: The Photography of Brett Weston" is on view Oct. 29, 2024 - Feb. 1, 2025, at the OSU Museum of Art in downtown Stillwater. This exhibition was made possible by donations from the Brett Weston Archive and the Christian Keesee Collection. Learn more at https://museum.okstate.edu/art/shadows-and-light.html.

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