Studio Montclair is delighted to present its first exhibit devoted exclusively to photography, “Dwelling in Hope.”
“Dwelling in Hope” will be on exhibit from November 1 through December 12, 2024, at Leach Gallery, 641 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair, NJ. An opening reception will be held on Friday, November 1, from 6-8pm.
Delving into a topic that is foremost in our minds today for a multitude of reasons, the show conveys images expressing the concept of finding hope within the familiar, everyday aspects of our lives. Works are comprised of images that, according to Juror Joel Morgovsky, “are meaningful…because they are ABOUT something, not just pictures OF something…Some artists used patriotic references, while others found spiritual resonances. Many depicted the hope they found in relationships, while others illustrated optimism that supports recovery, resilience, and perseverance.” Several artists also depicted the natural world including horticulture, clearly symbolizing anticipation for future seasons. Images depict a variety of venues ranging from individual homes to the larger community, encompass single individuals, interpersonal events, or natural surroundings, and portray symbols of refuge and possibility along with esoteric imagery that conveys the theme of hope.
Presenting the craftsmanship of talented photographers ranging from novices to professionals, this uplifting exhibit will inspire, stimulate, provoke, and delight viewers.
Participating Artists:
Rachel Fawn Alban, Kate Albright, Jamie Atlas, Hilary Houston Bachelder, Christine Back, Marilyn Baldi, Patrick Binns, Lynne Breitfeller, Nova Bronstein, Cal Carter, Rachel Cole, Dennis Connors, Dan Epstein, Shoshana Kertesz, Rita Klachkin, Yael Klein, Steven Kushner, Joanna Madloch, Jessica Margo, Anthony Marino, John Masi, Pamela Moore, Mansa Mussa, Brett Oberman, Arthur Paxton, James Peaslee, William Pew, Katharine Philip, John Piccoli, Andrew Pope, Margo Ramirez, Toni Resnick, Ann Rosen, Norman Rosenblum, Joanne Ross, Laura Russomano, Manolo Salas, Maria Savidis-Markatos, Mary Shadbolt, Irina Shoyhet, Emily Snead, Peter Tilgner, Voyo Woo, Niesha Ziehmke
Juror’s Statement:
Studio Montclair’s theme, “Dwelling In Hope,” sparked an outpouring of creative talent. To jury the 172 submitted photographs, I followed a rubric to identify the best works. This process involved recognizing that photographs are unique creations, existing solely because someone made them. Additionally, I sought images that were meaningful, that is, photographs that are ABOUT something, not just pictures OF something. The second stage of analysis involved assessing how well these excellent photographs related to and expressed the theme.
From my study of the submissions, many creative interpretations of “Dwelling in Hope” emerged. Some artists used patriotic references, while others found spiritual resonances. Many depicted the hope found in relationships, while others illustrated hope that supports recovery, resilience, and perseverance. Naturally, there were pictures of children finding reassurance and guidance. Numerous artists also captured the natural world, including horticulture, symbolizing hope for the next season.
Given the range of talent and experience among the entrants, from professional to beginner, jurying has been both challenging and rewarding. As this is Studio Montclair’s first all-photography competition, the number and quality of submissions demonstrate that this art community enthusiastically welcomes a vibrant new venue for exhibiting photography in our region.
The photographs I’ve selected for this exhibition are worthy of your thoughtful study. Enjoy, as I have, the creativity and craftsmanship of each individual photograph, as well as the dedication to some extended bodies of work. In challenging times, cultivating hope is both beneficial and meaningful, making this exhibition especially fitting.
About the Juror:
Joel Morgovsky, retired Professor of Psychology at Brookdale Community College, brings together his expertise in psychology and photography as founder of PhotoPsychology: The Psychology of Photography, a discipline characterized by a unique method called “Reading Pictures” to decode the emotions and meaning within photographs. As a prominent member of New York’s Soho Photo Gallery, he chairs its annual National Competition and serves as a juror for the Soho Photo International Portfolio Competition. An exhibiting photographer since 1977, Joel exhibited in April 2023 “Inside Out,” an immersive, experiential study of scenes from his home. Joel is a lecturer and judge at camera clubs across the tri-state area. He is listed with NJFCC, juried for PSA, and juried the 2024 Eyesights exhibition at the Guild of Creative Arts in Shrewsbury, NJ. He is a prolific lecturer with more than 20 presentations on a broad range of photographic topics in his portfolio.