See Havana in Southport in January
Greenwich Citizen
2006
Art/Place Gallery presents “Havana, A Place Out of Time,” a photographic journey by Ron Tarver, the gallery’s invited artist of 2006. The January show is the first time Art/Place has reached beyond Connecticut for their guest exhibit.
These moody photographs of Cuba’s city of contradictions are compelling and evocative. Philadelphia artist Ron Tarver has created a sensitive, poetic view of Havana.
His silver gelatin prints convey the mood and the mystery of Havana nights and days. Tarver’s unique printing method produces the deep darks and the warm glows of his images. We peer down empty streets, glimpse inner courtyards, follow the fanciful lines of wrought iron on a staircase, windows, or a balcony, watch men playing dominoes and see the Cuban flag hung high above the street.
Along with long shot views of city streets and buildings, there are close-up, more intimate studies of still life objects. Many photos are devoid of people, creating a silent, lonely cityscape, hauntingly Hopperesque. These are pictures to linger at in thoughtful contemplation.
Although Tarver was born and raised in Oklahoma, he has made Philadelphia his home for many years. He has been a staff photographer at the Philadelphia Inquirer for more than 20 years. His one-person exhibitions span the country. He has twice received a PEW Fellowship in the Arts and a Pennsylvania Council in the Arts Fellowship and a Grant, plus many juried awards. Tarver also is the recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts grant to produce a photo series on Deep Deuce, Oklahoma City’s 2nd Street neighborhood famed for its historic jazz clubs.
Ron Tarver’s work is in the collections of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Smithsonian National Museum of American Art in Washington, D.C. and the Pennsylvania State Museum in Harrisburg as well as other museums and universities.
This exhibit will continue until Sunday, January 29. This artist will speak about the work on Sunday, January 29, at 3 p.m. The Fairfield Gallery night is Saturday, January 21 from 5 to 7 p.m.
Art/Place is located in the Southport train station on the westbound side, 400 Center Street. Hours are Wednesday through Sunday from 12 to 4:30 p.m. or by appointment. For further information call (203) 255-9847.