MTC ART GALLERY

The MTC community art program presents:

The Collective Eye

Visions of Places, Objects and Inspiration

A group show by the students in the
Special Projects Digital Photography class at Berkeley City College

 

January 9, 2012 – February 29, 2012

Featuring work by:

• Arthur Aravena
• Guy Alec Avoth
• Antonio Cortez
• Julia Dysart
• Tanya Knoop
• Connie Laventurier
• Nick Lawrence
• Michael Layefsky
• Diana Martinez
• Erick Padilla
• Jennifer Rydman
• Lili Shidlovski
• Marti Stites
• Rachel Thoele
• Dadre Traughber
• John Viet
• Lanny Weingrod
• Liz Wiener

The Collective Eye

The Collective Eye is a“best-of” collection of the photography students from the Special Projects in Digital Photography class at Berkeley City College (BCC). The Special Projects class is composed of photographers of all skill levels. Several artists are well established and successful in their respective fields, with extensive bodies of work, various gallery showings and published work online or in print.  Others are beginning students who know the basics of digital photography and want to take their ideas and skills to the next level. In producing these works, the students all had access to BCC’s state-of-the-art studio, print lab, multimedia computer lab and high-end equipment-lending program. They also have opportunities related to BCC’s dedicated space, the Jerry Adams Gallery, which features ongoing exhibits throughout the year. The work featured in The Collective Eye has come to form its own diverse identity and presents a visually pleasing arrangement.

As curator for The Collective Eye, I have enjoyed embarking on a unique, refreshing and satisfying endeavor. After my series, Ghosts of the Past, debuted at MTC, Brenda Kahn, Community Art Coordinator, invited me to show further work. I was excited at the idea of exhibiting more photos, especially in a space which brought my photography out of the classroom and into public view. For this show, I wanted to explore something slightly different and with a larger vision. Ultimately, I considered my peers in the Special Projects in Digital Photography class at BCC. With the support of the instructor, Diane Rosenblum, I was able to move ahead with this inspiration to make a call for submissions and The Collective Eye show was underway. I am moved by the talent and professionalism the photographers in the show embody and astounded by the strength, balance and cohesion of the show. Most importantly, I advocate bringing high-quality local art into public view. I am proud to be presenting this collection and grateful to all the artists involved who entrusted me with their work and vision.

—Erick Padilla , Show Curator