Outside the box
Tackling the task of an art exhibition in an unconventional space
Being a photographer is being squarely on the fence of the ‘real world’ and the ‘art world’. Photography is still quite new to the world of fine art, and I’d be a fool to say that I’m positively sure that it belongs. But — riding that line provides some sort of advantage in the form of creative thinking and problem solving, because an ecosystem that doesn’t fully honor your art-form as it does others’ leaves fewer openings for photographers-practicing-as-artists.
I think too that there is in me and innate desire for control over how I show my work. In creating Greenwood, I enjoyed the full creative process of editing, producing, promoting, and showing — and it grew in me a desire to repeat the process and to bring other artists into the fold.
After seeing my friend Cora’s ‘Live Bait’ piece at her solo show at Aquarium Gallery, it was hook, line and sinker. I was hooked on the idea of producing a show that shared the sentiment of feelings of home as it pertained to the American South, Louisiana as Sportsman’s Paradise, and the unique aesthetics and vernacular qualities of our region.
Tackle Box was born and I got to work compiling a roster of prospects, and within two months had curated and produced my first group exhibition, without any real gallery setting, expertise, or budget.
The opening reception was lovely and lively. Gratitude! I learned many things along the way, and I’m looking forward to getting to work on what’s next. In the meantime, please feel free to email me at mchltckr@me.com to arrange a private viewing of Tackle Box, or visit the site to see the works in a more rudimentary form. But I do highly recommend seeing them in person, of course.
If you’re an artist in the Greater New Orleans area, please reach out — I’d love to visit your studio (or home), see your work, hear about your process.
Scenes from opening night
