This January, the Georgia Museum of Art will feature two exhibitions of contemporary photography. The Silent Cities of Peru: Archaeological Photographs by Fernando La Rosa and John Greenman Photographs both run from Jan. 25 to March 30.
La Rosa, originally from Peru, currently splits his time between Macon, where he directs the photography program at Wesleyan College, and Lima, Peru. His long history with Peruvian sites and cities such as Machu Picchu, Sechín and Chavín Huántar has allowed him access to places no longer accessible to visitors.
In his work, he uses large-format cameras and traditional materials, then combines the results with scanning and digital output to investigate a range of subjects. Paul Richelson of the Mobile Museum of Art organized this exhibition, and Laura Valeri, associate curator of European art at the Georgia Museum of Art, served as in-house curator.
“What makes this exhibition special is the unique viewpoint La Rosa shares with us,” Valeri said. “Being granted special access to these archaeological sites allowed him to capture morning light effects through temple windows and other aspects that were an integral part of the builder’s design.”
Greenman is the Carolyn McKenzie and Don E. Carter Professor of Journalism at UGA but has pursued photography since his undergraduate days. He uses high-tech digital technologies to create detailed landscapes as seen from Georgia back roads.
Although his pictures are snapshots, Greenman said his process is deliberate and methodical.
Greenman said the content of his pieces and the landscapes in them are presented precisely the way he views it.
“Serendipity isn’t in the mix,” he said.
Unwilling to manipulate his photographs when he cannot capture the image as his eye sees it, Greenman said that he accepts and celebrates the fact that the eyes can see many things that a digital or film sensor cannot record.
A preview and opening reception for both exhibitions is scheduled for Jan. 24 at the art museum. Free for members, admission for everyone else is $5. The reception will include refreshments, gallery talks and live music.
