Exhibit features series of photos from American road

By Josh Mansour | Originally Published: 02/28/11 9:16pm |Modified: 02/28/11 9:16pm | 1 comment

In many imaginations, there are few images that are a purer representation of Americana than a car and the open road — the very concept behind the newest exhibition at the Kresge Art Museum.

The exhibit, entitled “American Roads,” began its display on Jan. 10 and runs through March 13. It features a series of photographs with all but one taken between 1968-81.

Christine Nichols, the communication and events coordinator for the museum, said the exhibit depicts a rich tapestry of a different time and era.

“If you look at the photographs, I think you’ll be hard pressed to run across those (types of) images anymore,” Nichols said. “The old gas stations, the old iconic tourist traps … even the look of the automobiles — the look of the landscape is different now.”

Art and art history professor Peter Glendinning, who spent six years photographing cars, said the portfolio provides a glimpse into a time when modern photography was beginning to become an accepted form of art.

“(The exhibit) represents an important period in American art history,” Glendinning said. “They’re from a time when more and more museums began exhibiting contemporary art and photographs.”

Glendinning also noted the strength of the exhibit comes from the varying artists and their differing styles.

“For a student of photography, you’ll get to see quite a few different prints,” he said. “You’ll see photographs that have a distinctly brownish warm tone to them, and then color photographs and a collage of 75 different photographs.”

Nichols said the response to the exhibit has been outstanding.

“The reception so far has been very positive,” she said. “The pieces are displayed beautifully. They’re separate, so you can concentrate on each piece.”

Journalism senior Eziaha Adibe said there is a tremendous benefit in having art exhibits such as “American Roads” on the MSU campus.

“I think it adds culture to the university because you can learn about new things that you wouldn’t have been able to learn about before,” Adibe said. “Seeing it visually is very helpful too.”

Glendinning echoed that point, adding that the portfolio has a great educational value.

“For anybody that’s interested in the different techniques of photography that were used back in the day, this would be a great exhibit to go to,” he said.