UNFIXED: The Fugitive Image

Although photographic images existed long before, the birth of photography is marked by the date when we learned to “fix” a representative image on to a light sensitive surface permanently. Since then, the truth of photographic representation has been often questioned and much discussed. Less debated, but just as questionable is the permanence of the photographic image. Of course, eventually, all surfaces decay and all images fade, but the artists in this exhibition embrace the fleeting nature of the image that is created by light and is eventually destroyed by it. By using inherently unstable light-sensitive surfaces or by intentionally sidestepping processing steps that would preserve the image, these artists demand that the viewer consider the physicality of the photographic object as it changes and fades over the time of the exhibition. UNFIXED brings together objects and images that cause us to consider mortality and entropy, time and memory and the beauty of moments that can never last.

UNFIXED featured artists who are exploring the ephemeral image in a wide variety of ways with and without cameras and in still images as well as video. Many of the works in UNFIXED were created specifically for this exhibition.

Artists:
Eric William Carroll
Françoise and Daniel Cartier
Phil Chang
Matthew Gamber
Brian Ganter
Dustin Grella
John Opera
Tom Persinger
Paul Shambroom
Luke Stettner

Additional Programs:
Gallery Talk: Fred Bidwell discussed the works in UNFIXED in the galleries, Saturday, February 27 at 2:00 p. m.

Lecture: Dr. Kate Albers Lecture, “The Ephemeral Photograph: From Salt Prints to Snapchat,” Saturday, March 12, 2:00 p.m.

Gallery talk and performance: Tom Persinger Gallery Talk and Performance, Sunday, April 3, 3:00 p.m.

This exhibition was organized by Transformer Station.