An exhibition of large-scale photographs by Carl Chiarenza and a public lecture by the artist on Friday, Oct. 10, will be showcased during the University of Rochester's Meliora Weekend 2003. "Carl Chiarenza: Recent Large-Scale Work" from the mid-1990s to 2003 are now on display in the Harnett Gallery on the University's River Campus through Sunday, Nov. 2.
Chiarenza, artist in residence at the University of Rochester and Fanny Knapp Allen Professor Emeritus of Art History, continues to build on an impressive body of work over the last 50 years. His photographs are distinctive for their shades of black and white that result from the play of light on the wrinkles, folds, and torn edges of the collages he makes from varied papers, foils, and fabrics. They become the basis of his images produced as large photographic prints.
During his career, Chiarenza has exhibited in more than 75 solo and 200 group exhibitions. He has lectured and taught workshops at more than 90 institutions, and his works and writings have been reviewed and reproduced in more than 175 publications. The Getty Museum in Los Angeles recently purchased 10 works dating from 1956 to 1976, and acquired through gifts a portfolio of eight prints and a large-scale quintet.
Chiarenza has published two volumes of his work: Evocations (Nazraeli Press, 2002) with poetry by Robert Koch, and Landscapes of the Mind (David R. Godine, 1988). In November, another solo exhibit of his work from 1955 to 1979 will open in Kingston, R.I., at the Fine Arts Center Galleries at the University of Rhode Island.
He joined the faculty at the University of Rochester in 1986; previously, he held positions as art history department chairman, director of graduate studies, and professor of art history at Boston University from 1964 to 1986. The Rochester native received his doctorate in art history from Harvard University, master's degrees in art history and in journalism from Boston University, and a bachelor's degree from Rochester Institute of Technology.
Hartnett Gallery is located in Wilson Commons on the University's River Campus. The hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free. Chiarenza will talk about how photography as an art form relates to his own photographs at 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, in Hoyt Hall on the University's River Campus, followed by a reception in Hartnett Gallery.
The current exhibition is sponsored by Hartnett Gallery and the Office of College Advancement. For more information, contact (585) 275-5911.
Note to editors: Two JPEG images from the exhibit can be e-mailed to you. Please call (585) 275-4128 or send your request to sdickman@rochester.edu.