Light Work to host exhibition by photographer Ben Gest

Ben Gest

April 2-July 27, 2007
Light Work, 316 Waverly Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13244

Light Work Gallery Reception: Thursday, April 12, 2007 from 5-8pm

Light Work's upcoming exhibition features the photography of Ben Gest, whose new photographs depict people in moments of deep private thought. The figures appear emotionally removed from their environment as if withdrawing from a public self.  

Gest's work focuses on how who we are can change when we are in a group. Although the subjects are alone in the photographs, the presence of others is implied. The images depict people in the last moments of being in their own world before seeing people, or going somewhere where others will be around. These are the last breaths and the last seconds of personal time before the subjects put on a public face and adopt the persona that they use while in a group of people.

To create these images, Gest combines numerous photographs into seamless final compositions using digital technology. Each image may consist of twenty or more separate photographs taken from various vantage points. The visually surprising images direct the viewer in the construction of everyday narratives.

Gest received his BA in Visual Art from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, and his MFA in Photography from Columbia College Chicago. His work has been featured in numerous group and solo exhibitions nationwide, most recently at the Renaissance Society at the University of Chicago. His work is part of Light Work's Permanent Collection, as well as The Art Institute of Chicago; the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago; the Museum of Contemporary Photography, Chicago; and the LaSalle Bank Photography Collection. Gest is currently an adjunct professor of photography at Columbia College Chicago. He has received many grants and awards, and participated in Light Work's Artist-in-Residence program in August 2005.

Light Work is a member of CMAC, the Coalition of Museum and Art Centers at Syracuse University. This exhibition was supported by PULSE, and it received additional support from the Stephen Daiter Contemporary Gallery in Chicago.

Light Work will host a gallery reception on April 12, 2007 from 5-8pm. Gest will be in attendance. Also on view at Light Work is the Newhouse Photography Annual exhibition, featuring the work of photography students in Syracuse University's S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.   Gallery hours for these exhibitions are Sunday to Friday, 10am-6pm, and by appointment. To schedule an appointment, please call 315-443-1300. Both the exhibition and reception are free and open to the public. Paid parking is available in the Marion Parking Lot and Booth Garage. Light Work invites groups and individuals to schedule tours and gallery talks of the exhibition and facility. Light Work is a non-profit, artist-run organization dedicated to the support of artists working in photography and electronic media. For more information about any of these exhibitions, please contact Jessica Heckman at Light Work, 315-443-1300 or jhheckma@syr.edu.

Other Press Images Available Upon Request

Image Information:
Kate Fixing Her Earring, 2005
Pigmented inkjet print, 52.875 x 39.5