Neal Rantoul: Wheat, Washington, 2009-2012,
Danforth Museum Opens April 7
By: Danforth - Mar 18, 2013
A new exhibit at the Danforth Museum, Neal Rantoul: Wheat, Washington, 2009-2012, opens April 7, 2013. This exhibition is an exploration of subject matter Rantoul has consistently revisited over the past decade—the wheat fields near Pullman, Washington. Rantoul’s aerial photographs invite the viewer to perform a close analysis of an ever-changing landscape. His steady and consistent documentation and his approach to the subject with a repeated fresh eye, allows viewers to explore the impermanence of natural structures.
Rantoul is known for series of works exploring the tenuousness of form, a practice highlighted by this small, but choice selection of wheat views taken over the past four years. These images ask the viewer to think beyond the landscape—the expertly framed views are striking abstractions, recalling cuts, ridges, sutures and cropped figures. Repeated markings on the surface of the works result in an abstracted landscape transformed into a vibrant expressive being. Rantoul’s photographs ask viewers to think about consistent practice, process, and an understanding of the importance of place.
The artist will talk about his work on Wednesday, April 10, 2013, at noon, and Sunday, May 12, 2013, 3 p.m. Both lectures are open to the public and free with Danforth membership or museum admission.
About the Artist: Neal Rantoul is a career artist and educator. He retired recently after spending 30 years as head of Northeastern University’s Photo Program. Rantoul has exhibited widely, with over 50 solo exhibitions, and his work is represented in numerous private and public collections. He teaches regularly, and has led workshops at the Photographic Resource Center in Boston and the Penland School of Crafts in North Carolina. He has published works on his Cabela’s series (2009) as well as his Wheat imagery (2011).
General Information: For general information on the Danforth Museum and School of Art, please visit http://www.danforthmuseum.org or call 508-620-0050. The Danforth Museum of Art is located at 123 Union Avenue, Framingham, Massachusetts. Museum hours are Wednesday and Sunday, noon to 5 pm.; Thursday, noon to 8:30 pm; Friday and Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm. Museum admission is $11 for adults, $9 for students and senior citizens, free for children under seventeen and museum members.