tiltgallery » 2015

March 5 – March 28, 2015

“Through the Lens of Desire” a continuation of the “Cropped” series by Kris Sanford

Artist will be present for questions and conversation on March 12th

“Relationships, real or imagined, are at the center of my work. Being young and queer, I searched for a history that spoke to me—included me. In my family history there were no couples that mirrored my own intimate relationships. That didn’t stop me from imagining such couples”.

Out of a collection of her grandmother’s old family snapshots, Sanford began creating an imaginary queer past, pulling out those photos that pictured men together and women together. Often, she was drawn to the subtle points of contact and the spaces between the figures pictured. Each gesture or distracted glance held a story, and it is these stories that mirror the artist’s own desires and experiences. The work quickly grew beyond the family’s collection to include anonymous snapshots of strangers. Sanford describes her images as works of fiction. The individuals pictured serve as characters in a search to uncover lost stories of life, family, and love.

Intertwined,Through the Lens Of Desire, archival digital print, 2014, edition of 20, 10×10 in

February 5 – February 28, 2015

“As I Nod to my Influences I Want to Float,” new work by Brenton Hamilton

Untitled, 2014 ; 10 x 8 inch, black glass ambrotype

This exhibition included two bodies of work: black glass ambrotypes & cyanotypes

Brenton Hamilton’s work provides a contemporary view on mythology and history created with one of the first photographic processes. His new series of interconnected works comes in the form of cyanotype on paper and recently black glass ambrotype. The images comprising “As I Nod to my Influences I Want to Float” reference a constant, personal interior dialogue of Hamilton’s.

“Among significant influences that I respond to are the study of history and culture – and that has lead to my “reenactments” on paper and glass. I have fashioned references to the artists studio, early diagrams and engravings of human anatomy, bird study and astronomy. The history of collecting and early museums that were called Wunderkammer have been especially powerful for me. These small, serious rooms were filled with bones and shells, engravings, fragments and casts, and semi precious stones. We’re really drawers full of human knowledge.

In the pictures that I conjure up, the viewer is presented and sees an invented world. Animal bodies and human features, torso’s surrounded by stars, or a studio still life of an unusual object emerging from blackness. I hope this work makes a space for the viewer to behold a new precipice.” – Brenton Hamilton

Opening Reception: Thursday, February 5th, 7 – 9 pm.
To be announced: artist attendance during course of exhibition