Demuth Invitational: "Still Life" at the Demuth Museum, May 25 -July 21, 2024

Statuary, Newburgh NY, 2012 © Robert Forlini

I will be showing my photograph, Statuary, Newburgh NY, 2012, in an exhibition entitled Demuth Invitational: Still Life at the Demuth Museum in Lancaster, PA from May 25-July 21, 2024. Some of Charles Demuth’s most intriguing and beloved works are watercolors featuring vegetables and fruits that highlight the abundance of Lancaster County’s farms. In 2023, the Demuth Foundation received a major acquisition of a double-sided watercolor c. 1925 of apples with peaches and plums on verso. They have invited local artists to reflect on this work and other produce still lifes by Demuth to inspire new work through their perspective and style.

My approach to “still life” is my approach to any photographic subject matter: the joy in discovering a found scenario and creating new meaning through deliberate framing. In this picture, the statue of Jesus seems to be preaching to us, the viewer, while an eclectic audience of various human and animal figures look on, their reactions ranging from attentive to distracted. The desolate landscape in the background forms a gulf between Jesus and his flock, while the cyclone fence simultaneously separates, connects and confines them. Although these figures are ordinary, everyday objects, the photograph transforms them into an allegory.

The Opening Reception will be on Friday May 24 from 5:00-8:00 PM. 

• The Demuth Museum is located at 120 East King St., Lancaster, PA 17602
• Museum hours are Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat: 10-4; Sun 12-4. Closed Mon. & Wed.

• The museum may be contacted at (717) 299-9940, or visit demuth.org

• Visit the Demuth Museum on Facebook and Instagram

• There will be an Opening Reception on Friday May 24 from 5:00-8:00 PM.
• The exhibition will run from May 25-July 21, 2024.