Brett Weston in the East and West/Exhibit

[Merg Ross]

Coinciding with the centennial of Brett's birth, the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center will be exhibiting his work. The exhibit titled, "Brett Weston in the East and West", will be on display from June 4 to August 21, 2011.

[bob carnie]

That would be worth the drive to Colorado next summer, then a jag to Montanna.

[Curt]

Bob, I agree with the drive.

[bob carnie]

Merg

It looks like I actually may be doing this drive as other business will take me to the area in early August.
I am interested in your opinion on the prints that will be displayed, I am a huge fan of his work and the books I have of his work , were my referral sources as a young printer on what a good print should look like. Do you know how large this exhibit will be and how many images will be displayed?
I have driven long distances in the past to view good prints , and sometimes have been disappointed in what was being shown, and other times marveled for hours looking at the work.
Have you seen these prints live before?

thanks

bob

Coinciding with the centennial of Brett's birth, the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center will be exhibiting his work. The exhibit titled, "Brett Weston in the East and West", will be on display from June 4 to August 21, 2011.

[Richard K.]

That would be worth the drive to Colorado next summer, then a jag to Montanna.

I'm gonna do that drive but continue on to South Utah and Northern Arizona.

See you at the Gallery!! :D

[Richard K.]

Coinciding with the centennial of Brett's birth, the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center will be exhibiting his work. The exhibit titled, "Brett Weston in the East and West", will be on display from June 4 to August 21, 2011.

Merg, any idea if Brett's New York work will be included?

[Richard K.]

I'm wondering if it wouldn't make sense to post these show announcements in the Forum Calendar in addition to here. That way we can regularly check the Calendar and re-remember things we read but possibly forgot...
This seems to be an un-utilized but possibly useful forum feature?

[Merg Ross]

Merg

It looks like I actually may be doing this drive as other business will take me to the area in early August.
I am interested in your opinion on the prints that will be displayed, I am a huge fan of his work and the books I have of his work , were my referral sources as a young printer on what a good print should look like. Do you know how large this exhibit will be and how many images will be displayed?
I have driven long distances in the past to view good prints , and sometimes have been disappointed in what was being shown, and other times marveled for hours looking at the work.
Have you seen these prints live before?

thanks

bob

Bob,

So far I have little information on this exhibit. I was directed to it by the Brett Weston Archive in Oklahoma City. I believe the prints to be displayed were a gift to the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, however I do not know who the donor was. The exhibit "contrasts urban areas of the East Coast and wild regions of the West." Most likely there will be some of his New York City work.

As soon as I get more information it will be posted here. My thought is that any opportunity to view Brett's work is a very worthwhile experience. I would not be concerned about the quality of his work, only the quantity. Stay tuned.

Merg

[Merg Ross]

I'm wondering if it wouldn't make sense to post these show announcements in the Forum Calendar in addition to here. That way we can regularly check the Calendar and re-remember things we read but possibly forgot...
This seems to be an un-utilized but possibly useful forum feature?

Done!

[Curt]

I'd love go at a time I could meet other Weston admirers.

[bob carnie]

Hi Merg

Is this the same show that is hanging in Arizona right now?

thanks
Bob

[Merg Ross]

Hi Merg

Is this the same show that is hanging in Arizona right now?

thanks
Bob

Hi Bob

They are two different exhibitions. The exhibit in Phoenix is the work of Brett and Sonya Noskowiak with 40 prints from each. My understanding is that the prints are from the CCP in Tucson and the Phoenix Art Museum collections.

It is an odd pairing of artists as Brett had a rather rocky relationship with Sonya while they were living under the same roof. However, I guess one could conclude that Edward being mentor to both was reason enough for a joint exhibit.

The exhibit scheduled for the Colorado Springs Fine Art Center consists of prints from their own collection. I have contacted them for details, however have heard nothing as yet. The exhibit theme will contrast Brett's East Coast urban work with his Western landscapes. I will post what I hear, if anything. This is the centennial of Brett's birth and I had thought there might be more than these two exhibits to honor the occasion. Perhaps there will be others. I contacted the Brett Weston Archive on the subject and they have no plans for an exhibition.

Merg

[bob carnie]

Merg

A very close friend is going to Phoenix and is excited about seeing the show, I was hoping it would be the same one so he could give me a critique.
Keep us posted on any details on the show in Colorado.

thanks
Bob

Hi Bob

They are two different exhibitions. The exhibit in Phoenix is the work of Brett and Sonya Noskowiak with 40 prints from each. My understanding is that the prints are from the CCP in Tucson and the Phoenix Art Museum collections.

It is an odd pairing of artists as Brett had a rather rocky relationship with Sonya while they were living under the same roof. However, I guess one could conclude that Edward being mentor to both was reason enough for a joint exhibit.

The exhibit scheduled for the Colorado Springs Fine Art Center consists of prints from their own collection. I have contacted them for details, however have heard nothing as yet. The exhibit theme will contrast Brett's East Coast urban work with his Western landscapes. I will post what I hear, if anything. This is the centennial of Brett's birth and I had thought there might be more than these two exhibits to honor the occasion. Perhaps there will be others. I contacted the Brett Weston Archive on the subject and they have no plans for an exhibition.

Merg

[Wayne]

Has anyone been to the Phoenix show? Reviews? I'd rather chew razor blades than go to Phoenix without a damn good reason, but I might be able to dash off the freeway when I pass through as fast as possible this week or next...I've only seen one or two Brett's in person.

[SMBooth]

Its a bloody long way to go from Australia...

[Wayne]

Its a bloody long way to go from Australia...

Yeah, but so is everywhere, and most other places wont have Brett Weston prints when you get there. :)

[bob carnie]

I saw a few Brett Weston Prints at a friends place in Louisville, just a couple of days ago and am more eager to see the show than ever.

[Michael Kadillak]

We started meetings for a group of six large format B&W photographers that meets monthly here in Denver. A road trip South to view this exhibit without doubt will be on the agenda.

Back in the 1980's shortly after I moved to the area, there was an exhibit of Edwards work at the Denver Art Museum. Unbelievable. I remember the feeling of complete exuberance after viewing it that convinced me that LF needed to be taken much more seriously by me.

[Curt]

In the late 70's I saw EW, BW, AA and others on a regular basis. If not for the Silver Image Gallery then in Tacoma and later to move to Seattle, my interest might have rapidly declined.

Seeing and knowing is still the only way to perceive the beauty of original prints. Sure you can teach yourself but seeing originals is the completion of the education.

Seek out original works if at all possible.

Curt

[Eric Biggerstaff]

Mike and I are in the same group here in Denver and I am sure we will be making the trip south, heck it is only about 30 min from my house so I might have to buy a season pass!

Thanks for posting this Merg.

[al olson]

We started meetings for a group of six large format B&W photographers that meets monthly here in Denver. A road trip South to view this exhibit without doubt will be on the agenda.
. . .


Tell us a little more about the group. When and where do you meet. If it is not an exclusive group, I would try to schedule my infrequent trips to Denver so that I might join you. Perhaps put a note in Groups & Meetings.

I have only been able to identify four active LF photographers in my area, three of us in Pagosa and one in Durango.

[Michael Kadillak]

Tell us a little more about the group. When and where do you meet. If it is not an exclusive group, I would try to schedule my infrequent trips to Denver so that I might join you. Perhaps put a note in Groups & Meetings.

I have only been able to identify four active LF photographers in my area, three of us in Pagosa and one in Durango.

I can tell you that the Denver / Front Range area has a surprisingly vibrant number of LF and ULF photographers. It seems that I run into more and more of them all the time.

Keith Pitman is the person that got the ball rolling with our "group" and as a result he is the go to man when it comes to the involvement with it. He purposefully kept the participation to a small number and limited it to film based B&W, LF/ULF and those that do their own darkroom work. We have only been meeting a few months rotating at each of our homes but so far it has been a smashing success. Being around other b&w large format photographers has been really a wonderful experience because it allows you to see how others photograph plus it is great to get encouragement and feedback from these folks.

[Richard M. Coda]

Has anyone been to the Phoenix show? Reviews? I'd rather chew razor blades than go to Phoenix without a damn good reason, but I might be able to dash off the freeway when I pass through as fast as possible this week or next...I've only seen one or two Brett's in person.

The show is pretty good. At the same time there is also a Brett Weston/Kim Weston/Randy Efros (BW's last assistant) show at 422 Gallery (corner of Indian School/44th St in Phoenix), as well as a fairly large show from Imageworks (a local LF group here in PHX Metro, of which I am a member). I have some images from the IW show here (http://rcodaphotography.blogspot.com/).

[Wayne]

I made it to the PAM show and it was worth the nightmare of phoenix traffic, since I came on Friday night and there really wasnt any. Plus, it was free, which is a pretty good deal. More comments later when I get home in a few weeks, but I'm glad I went. Some were a bit disappointing and some were spectacular, wonderful, outstanding. I guess Brett was human. And I didnt know he dabbled in Cibachrome....they even had one of his wood carvings.

[William McEwen]

How many of you remember the celebrations and exhibitions for Edward Weston's centennial?

[Mark Sampson]

Well I have an excellent book of essays, "EW 100", which was published that year.
That's what sticks in my mind.

[Merg Ross]

How many of you remember the celebrations and exhibitions for Edward Weston's centennial?

The year was 1986. Many of his friends and family were still alive and made certain that his centennial did not pass unnoticed. Exhibitions that I recall during that year were at the Monterey Museum of Art, Huntington Library, J. Paul Getty Museum, and also the Center for Creative Photography in Tucson. The latter was curated by Edward's friend, Beaumont Newhall.

It is unfortunate that Brett will not be getting the same amount of recognition during his centennial, which is this year.

[Merg Ross]

......... And I didnt know he dabbled in Cibachrome....they even had one of his wood carvings.

Brett photographed using both 8x10 and 11x14 Ektachrome for a short period in his career. He never did print color, although there are a few commercially produced prints around. In my opinion, his best color was from the Glen Canyon trip shortly before it was flooded.

As to his wood sculptures, he was very skilled and produced a fair number. There is a catalog available showing many of them. He had several exhibits displaying both photography and sculpture and often used his photographs for inspiration when working with wood.

[Doug Howk]

"In Pursuit of Form: Sculpture and Photographs by Brett Weston" - catalog of 2002 exhibit at Monterey Museum of Art - includes an essay by Mary Murray on the interplay of Brett's sculpture & photography. Worth a read.

[Wayne Lambert]

I just talked to the curator's assistant at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, but I don't have much new information to report. The show is scheduled June 4-August 21, 2011, with a reception on July 5. The Center did receive a gift of 50 photographs from the Brett Weston Archive, but prints from this gift are not the ones to be shown. About 50 prints will be shown; I'm a little hazy as to their origin, but "some will be from the Brett Weston Archive." The images will include "eastern cityscapes and western landscapes." The Center is open Tuesdays through Sundays, closed Mondays. Hours all days are 10-5. Years ago (1968 or 1969) I drove from Amarillo, Texas, to Lawrence, Kansas to see a big Edward Weston show. My friends thought I was a little crazy. As I found out, and as many of us know, trips like that can be meaningful and, oftentimes, altering.

[bob carnie]

I am still planning to drive with my wife and dogs to Colorado from Toronto to see this show, I think it will be worth it.

[Merg Ross]

I just talked to the curator's assistant at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, but I don't have much new information to report. The show is scheduled June 4-August 21, 2011, with a reception on July 5. The Center did receive a gift of 50 photographs from the Brett Weston Archive, but prints from this gift are not the ones to be shown. About 50 prints will be shown; I'm a little hazy as to their origin, but "some will be from the Brett Weston Archive." The images will include "eastern cityscapes and western landscapes." The Center is open Tuesdays through Sundays, closed Mondays. Hours all days are 10-5. Years ago (1968 or 1969) I drove from Amarillo, Texas, to Lawrence, Kansas to see a big Edward Weston show. My friends thought I was a little crazy. As I found out, and as many of us know, trips like that can be meaningful and, oftentimes, altering.

Wayne, thank you very much for the update on Brett's exhibit. It has been difficult to get extensive information from either the BW Archive or the CSFAC relating to the show. However, it is good to hear that fifty prints will be included. Perhaps you can report back after attending the exhibit.

Best,
Merg

[Wayne Lambert]

Finally got down to see the Brett Weston show at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center yesterday, and there is something for most everyone---at least in terms of East and West. The show is titled "Brett Weston in the East and West," and is up June 4 to August 21. Supposedly it is a traveling exhibit commemorating Brett's centennial, and some of the prints, at least, came from the Brett Weston Archive. In Colorado Springs it is sponsored by the Colorado Springs Gazette and the Kirkpatrick Family Fund. There are 60 prints total (all gelatin-silver) in two rooms, 24 from the east in one room and 36 from the west in the other. A little over half (34) are 8x10 contact prints; 15 of eastern subjects and 19 of western subjects. A few seem to be 11x14 contact prints and the remaining enlargements. The prints are framed in black wood with white mats that slightly cover the edges of the print. As is the trend now days the lighting is too dim, and as a result the print quality is not shown to best advantage. Still, it's ovbviously Brett with blacks like soot and whites that seem to glow from within.

Most of the eastern photographs are the famous 1940's New York cityscapes as 8x10 contact prints---street scenes, storefronts, window displays, and distant views from high places. Best known perhaps is Sutton Place, New York (1945). The west includes lots of seashore and dunes, some kelp, some trees, some Mono Lake, and three San Francisco cityscapes (the latter from the 1930's). The well-known Mono Lake with wagon (1955) is also included as a 16x20. It's all a tour de force of Brett's uncanny ability to make recognizable subjects abstract and yet, well, recognizable.

My personal favorites are the 8x10 contact prints---they are gorgeous, especially the beautifully printed cityscapes with their tiny perfectly delineated windows. They are arguably the finest of all hand-holdable photographs. "Midtown, New York, 1945" (with the Hahn Bros. fireproof warehouses sign) is an example; another is "Rooftops and Bay, San Francisco, c. 1938." (I hope I am never asked who was the best printer, Edward or Brett.) Aside from the printing, the compositons, of course, are Westonian perfect.

Two other photographs are worth noting: "Air Vents, New York, 1943" and "Air Vents on Rooftops, New York, 1946," two photographs of what appear to be the same roof and the same vents. They are hanging in an alcove with a lower ceiling and are better illuminated. The whites and light grays of the tubular aluminum vents in building shadow, especially in the 1943 photograph, are a master class in black-and-white printing. Interestingly the dates (assuming they are correct) imply that Brett thought highly of the subject matter and returned three years after the first photograph to make another.

Except for the lighting one can't complain abut the presentation of the show, but I was disappointed that there were no handouts or list of photographs and no Weston materials in the gift shop/bookstore. Too, the counter staff didn't seem to know much about the show; like it just sort of appeared there. But if you are a Brett fan, I don't think you will be disappointed in the photographs.

Wayne Lambert

[h2oman]

Wayne,

Our family has a reunion every year or two in Buffalo Creek the first week in August, and this year's will be very special. I'll be grabbing my mom (who knows nothing about photography but loves the arts in general) and heading down there for a day. I can't wait!

Thanks for the report!

[Merg Ross]

Wayne,

Many thanks for your detailed thoughts after viewing the exhibition. Your conclusions and assessment of Brett's work are similar to mine. I hope the exhibition will be well attended and that Brett's work will find an appreciative audience in this, his centennial year.

This afternoon I was at the Oakland Museum viewing the work of Brett and his father. As to your concern of having to choose between them as printers, there is an easy answer. They were both excellent printers, but quite different when interpreting their negatives. This is precisely why Brett had such difficulty in printing Edward's negatives for the Print Project, and why he vowed that only he, Brett, could ever print his own negatives the way he wanted them.

Best,
Merg

[Richard K.]

Does anybody know what other venues (cities) will be graced by this exhibit? Maybe Bob Carnie and I won't have to drive from Toronto after-all...:D

[Wayne Lambert]

Richard,
I've written the Director and asked him if he has a list of venues. I'll let you know if I hear something.
Wayne