TRIPLEX: Three Strands of Thought

TRIPLEX: Three Strands of Thought

by

Wendy Denton, Edward Gillum & Kris Kessey

November 7 to December 1, 2024

Art Hop Reception: November 7th • 5 – 8 PM

Friday Photography Live • November 22, 2024 • 7PM

We chose to title our show TRIPLEX, Three Strands of Thought , (noun:
trip-leks) using an illustration of a triple helix DNA molecule, a rare genetic structure where the third strand winds around the central double helix in the larger spaces left by the original staircase shape.

The three of us sought different themes that are aspects of being human.
Kris chose “Hands “, Wendy chose “Aging “ and Ed chose “Curtains?”

KRIS KESSEY: HANDS • Hands are the “tool of tools” according to Aristotle.  They are the most frequently symbolized part of the human body… a complex, prehensile, multi-fingered appendage with opposable thumbs.  A grasping tool.  As humans, we use them in countless ways… for holding, stroking, caressing, punching, slapping,  grabbing, drawing, eating, operating machinery, pushing buttons, communicating,  the list is long…

I am not sure when I first became aware of how unique and useful hands are, I had taken them for granted for a long while.  Then one day I noticed that my hands were very similar to my father’s hands but not so much to my mothers. I noticed that my siblings also had our fathers hands.   I started to look at my friends’ hands, other relatives and strangers… how they were different and how they were the same, particularly among families.  I took my first photos of hands  in the mid-80’s – my father at his drafting board and my mother doing her morning crossword.  I took a group photo of my siblings’ hands in the late 90’s that I have included in this show.  

The rest of the images I am sharing are from friends, family and people I’ve met during my travels.

Every hand tells a story… the size, shape, length of fingers, skin texture, scars, wrinkles, paint stains, calluses… each one unique to the individual.  The hands reflect expression, emotion, personality, character, experience, culture, and occupation.  They provide insight into a person that words cannot.  I love the way hands can convey so much to us.  As a photographer, I am always drawn to images of hands, and I am delighted to share some of my favorite ones with you here.

WENDY DENTON: AGING •

In my exhibit thread, I explore the intricate tapestry of aging—its beauty, its challenges, and its profound stories. Each photograph captures not just the passage of time but the essence of lived experiences etched in the lines of a face, the grace of a posture, and the wisdom reflected in a gaze.

As we navigate through life, our bodies and spirits evolve, presenting a unique narrative that often goes unnoticed. This series invites viewers to pause and reflect on their own perceptions of aging, challenging societal norms that frequently celebrate youth while overlooking the richness of maturity.

I’ve sought to capture moments that convey vulnerability and strength—quiet reflections, shared laughter, and moments of solitude. I address such themes as “Forgetting Words,” “Consumer Culture and Aging,” “Pain,” “Indigenous Thoughts on Aging,” and others.

This exhibition is a reminder that aging is not merely an end but a continuation of stories, experiences, and identities. It honors those who have come before us and encourages a dialogue about the beauty of growing older, embracing every wrinkle and every gray hair as a testament to a life fully lived.

I invite you to step into this journey with me and see the profound beauty in aging, where every photograph is a chapter in the ever-evolving story of humanity. Thank you for joining me in this exploration of time, memory, and the art of living fully at every age.

EDWARD GILLUM: CURTAINS? •

It was the mid 70s, and we had survived the 60s.

As an art student, majoring in sculpture, I was very happy to learn techniques like mold making and bronze casting. 

My financial aid would run out soon, so I would need to make some decisions. UCSC did not offer grad courses so I would have to leave Santa Cruz if I chose to seek an MFA.  

Over beer and pizza, my best friend told me about a special topics class being offered by a visiting professor Christina Hooper, “Generative Systems “.  Little did I know how participating in this class would not only open my mind to new possibilities and ideas, but most significantly how to analyze the nature of systems and to try to understand the relational aspects of connectedness.

The biggest change I felt from taking this class was that I would no longer be content to be an “object maker “and my focus shifted from applying methods and techniques aimed at how well each object I made was crafted to what each endeavor could communicate.

The following summer I participated in a sculpture workshop at San Jose State that would also be a game changer. What I had gained/learned from the “Generative Systems” class began to show up in the work I made and how I talked about art and life experiences.  I didn’t realize how strong of a connection I had made with Tom Walsh, one of the invited artists, until a few weeks after the workshop had ended. This came my way in the form of a letter from professor Tom Walsh, Head of Sculpture at Southern Illinois University, offering tuition waiver and a teaching assistantship . Now all I needed to do was to graduate from UCSC. And that is another story for another time. 

During the “Generative Systems” class, Christina often referred to her mentor, Douglas R. Hofstadter.  His book “Godel, Esher, Bach: an eternal golden braid”, “and won him the Pulitzer Prize.

I was in my second year of the MFA program at SIU-C when a parcel was delivered that included a warm message of hope and a copy of Godel Escher Bach. It is a hefty read, but rewarding.  Some 40 years later, I am retiring from teaching sculpture at Fresno State and I am affiliated with Spectrum Art Gallery, a local venue that specializes in photography and as the name implies all aspects of photography are appreciated and exhibited. 

I signed up for a show in November 2024, along with two dear friends/colleagues, Kris Kessey and Wendy Denton.  While considering how our various creations could work together in the gallery space and what to call the show, etc., I remembered Hofstedter‘s book. By revisiting the basic notion that the work and ideas of three important geniuses could form a golden braid, yet were created with obviously different approaches, and employed systems that were similar in so many relational ways.

My choice was informed by systems out of my control – having been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. So my part of the show is an installation that utilizes visual illustrations chosen from the imaging done along with the chemotherapy I was prescribed.  X-rays, MRIs and PET scans were made to illustrate the malady and to gauge the progress of healing toward remission.  Vacuum formed 3-D replicas of  pills and capsules are flanked by photographic representations of decay and preservation printed on fabric to form the curtains.

Spectrum Art Gallery Print Auction Exhibition 2024

Spectrum Art Gallery Print Auction Exhibition

October 3 to 25, 2024

Art Hop Reception: October 3rd • 5 – 8 PM

Location: Spectrum Art Gallery, 608 E. Olive Ave, Fresno CA 93728 

•••••

Live Print Auction Event: October 26, 2024 • 1PM to 4PM 

Location: Dulce Upfront, 2026 N. Van Ness Blvd, Fresno CA 93704

We are excited to present this year’s Photographic Auction and Exhibition. As in the past, we will showcase many wonderful works by Spectrum members, along with contributions from local and national photographers. Additionally, we are privileged to offer two photographs from Edward Weston’s portfolio.

The Annual Print Auction exhibition opens on Art Hop at Spectrum Art Gallery on Thursday, October 3rd, and continues through October 25th.

On Saturday, October 26th, all photographs will be relocated to the venue Dulce Upfront for the Live Print Auction. This spacious venue will provide a lively atmosphere for the auction and will include a silent auction, food, and refreshments.

Join us for an exciting afternoon of art and bidding! 

Don’t miss this opportunity to enrich your art collection and support a meaningful cause! Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 26, from 1-4 pm at the newly remodeled Dulce Upfront, located in the Fresno High area at 2026 N. Van Ness Blvd., Fresno CA. Prepare for an exciting event of art, food, fun, and impactful giving!

 

We would like to thank our generous friends and colleagues for donating their beautiful photography, monetary donations, your time and efforts to our fundraiser.

A big thank you to the local businesses who have donated items for the silent auction and drawings.

 

Spectrum Art Gallery Auction 2023 Exhibition

 

Spectrum Art Gallery Auction 2023 Exhibition

Exhibit: April 6 to April 30, 2023
Art Hop Reception: April 6, 2023 – 5PM to 8PM
LIVE Auction: April 30, 2023 5PM @ Tower Theatre – 815 E. Olive, Fresno CA

Finally, we can once again hold an unforgettable live event! Please join us to celebrate and support 43 years of bringing fine art photography to the Central Valley. During the month of April, Spectrum will be exhibiting a diverse collection of fine art photographs from distinguished and emerging artists. The works will be displayed through April at Spectrum Art Gallery, 608 East Olive Ave. Fresno, CA 93728.

For the main event, we have selected a NEW VENUE! This year, the live auction will be held at the historic, Tower Theater, 815 E Olive Ave, Fresno, CA 93728.
These fantastic works of art will be auctioned off to the highest bidder during this Live Annual Benefit Reception and Auction, held Sunday evening, April 30th. We will provide our guests with music, food, and wine while they mingle with fellow art enthusiasts and collectors in this grand old Theater.

Spectrum Art Gallery is a cooperative organization that exhibits both local and out of area fine art photography. We are proud to give our local artists an opportunity to exhibit their work in a premium gallery setting. We also bring in noted photographers each year to allow our local patrons a chance to see and appreciate nationally recognized artists in our local setting. This event combines a chance to view and appreciate fine art as well as an opportunity to take home artworks that speak to you. Nowhere else in the area will you have the chance to view and purchase works from the roster of both local and nationally known artists represented in this auction. Photography is an excellent investment in both economic and personal terms. Think of the opportunities that have been missed in the past. How many times have you, or someone you were speaking with, said “if only I had bought work by “x” back in (fill in the date) before he/she hit it big”. This is your chance to bid on both up and coming as well as fully established, internationally recognized, artist’s/artists’ work.

Your generous participation benefits Spectrum Art Gallery – one of the oldest cooperatives of its kind dedicated to advancing photography as an art form. Your support allows Spectrum to achieve its mission of supporting those who create, enjoy and collect photography, and offering an accessible community space for activities and programs to meet the community’s needs. Through your generosity, Spectrum is able to offer supplemental educational programs and workshops to our community, and continuously make a significant impact towards furthering the arts in the Central Valley.

This event is the primary annual fundraiser for Spectrum Art Gallery. Please join us for this important event and support photographic art in our community. Our gallery is a 501c(3) registered non-profit organization. 

Spectrum Art Gallery’s New Hours of Operation:

Thursdays: 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Fridays: 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Saturdays and Sundays: 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Spectrum Art Gallery Annual Print Auction

Spectrum Art Gallery Annual Print Auction & Exhibition

Exhibit: March 3 – April 3rd 2022 • Auction: March 15- April 3 2022

Art Hop Reception: March 3 – 5PM to 8PM

e3ab74fd-25d6-c9dc-e247-d31522913e8c
"Lumenocity #7" -- Travis Rockett
0ed66a52-1bb3-51dd-1ba2-2702ed56f7b2
"Crow's Landing" -- Sue Thorson
Spectrum Art Gallery is hosting its Annual Print Auction! 

Spectrum Art Gallery’s Annual Print Auction is now open for your bidding!!  The auction closes on April 3rd at 5PM.  Select the following link to open the auction website to start bidding:

https://www.accelevents.com/e/2022spectrum

Over 55 items from internationally recognized photographers and well-known local artists will be available to view at Spectrum Art Gallery and posted on Spectrum’s on-line silent auction site hosted by Accelevents.  The link will be available on the Gallery Website at www.spectrumphotogallery.org on March 15, 2022.

For further information regarding either the images or the photographers please contact Spectrum Art Gallery at auction@spectrumphotogallery.org. All sales will be final. No returns or refunds will be provided.

Auction Prints on Exhibit
Spectrum Art Gallery
608 E Olive Ave, Fresno, CA 93728
March 3 – April 3, 2022

Spectrum Art Gallery’s New Hours of Operation:
ArtHop (1st) Thursdays: 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Fridays: 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Saturdays and Sundays: 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM

40th Anniversary Art Auction — Spectrum Art Gallery’s Online Silent Auction June 3 through July 15, 2021!

Please visit our online auction website to view the auction items and bid!
https://www.accelevents.com/e/SpectrumArtGallery40thAnniversaryArtAuction

In honor of its 40th Anniversary and ongoing mission to support photographic art and education in the greater central valley, Spectrum Art Gallery has been the grateful recipient of magnificent contributions by world renown and regional photographic artists. In addition, philanthropic donors have contributed works by prominent artists who are no longer with us. Their legacy will continue to reach all of us through your generous donations, which are featured in this online catalog including the Edward Weston 50th Anniversary Portfolio offered in our upcoming Auction 2020.

Edward Weston “Fiftieth Anniversary Portfolio: 1902-1952

Edward Weston (American, 1886-1958), “Fiftieth Anniversary Portfolio: 1902-1952,” circa 1952, Carmel, California, 1951, a complete portfolio of all 12 gelatin silver prints, from an edition of 100, printed by Brett Weston under Edward Weston’s supervision, each mounted and dated with the photographer’s initials in pencil on the mount, each stamped in ink with the print number on the reverse of the mount; with colophon, introduction by Edward Weston, a plate list, contained in folio, white cloth with flaps and black letterpress title, bound by Perry G. Davis, San Francisco, typography by the Grabhorn Press, The portfolio consists of these plates: Cabbage Leaf, 1931, Eel River, 1937, David H. McAlpin, New York, 1941, Eroded Rock, Point Lobos, 1930, Nude, 1936, Wall Scrawls, Hornitos, 1940, Guadalupe, Mexico, 1925, Church Door, Hornitos, 1940, North Dome, Point Lobos, 1946, William Edmondson, sculptor, Nashville, 1941, “Willie,” New Orleans, 1941, and Dunes, Oceano, 1936, photos each on artist mounted 16″ x 13.75″. All prints are in excellent condition overall. Two have been framed to museum standard for viewing in this exhibition. The included original portfolio case 16.5″ x 14″ x .75″ has warpage; so, all prints not on display have been stored in a separate, 100% archival portfolio box. This entire portfolio has been authenticated and appraised by Christian/Reilly registered by The Appraisers Association of America, Inc.

Spectrum Art Gallery considers the safety of the community and members our top priority.  For that reason, we have decided to offer an online silent art auction instead of our usual live event.

 

More about the Edward Weston Prints we are auctioning:

In honor of its 40th Anniversary and its ongoing mission to support photographic art and education in the greater central valley, Spectrum Art Gallery has been the grateful recipient of magnificent contributions by world renown and regional photographic artists. In addition, philanthropic donors have contributed works by prominent artists who are no longer with us. Their legacy will continue to reach all of us through these generous donations, which are featured in this catalog and the following pages displaying the Edward Weston 50th Anniversary Portfolio offered in our Auction.

Edward Weston “Fiftieth Anniversary Portfolio: 1902-1952”

Edward Weston (American, 1886-1958), “Fiftieth Anniversary Portfolio: 1902-1952,” Carmel, California, a complete portfolio of all 12 gelatin silver prints, from an edition of 100, printed by Brett Weston under Edward Weston’s supervision, each mounted and dated with the photographer’s initials in pencil on the mount, each stamped in ink with the print number on the reverse of the mount; with colophon, introduction by Edward Weston, a plate list, contained in folio, white cloth with flaps and black letterpress title, bound by Perry G. Davis, San Francisco, typography by the Grabhorn Press.

The portfolio consists of these plates:

● Cabbage Leaf, 1931

● Eel River, 1937

● David H. McAlpin, New York, 1941

● Eroded Rock, Point Lobos, 1930

● Nude, 1936

● Wall Scrawls, Hornitos, 1940

● Guadalupe, Mexico, 1925

● Church Door, Hornitos, 1940

● North Dome, Point Lobos, 1946

● William Edmondson, sculptor, Nashville, 1941

● “Willie,” New Orleans, 1941

● Dunes, Oceano, 1936

Each photo is on 16″ x 13.75” mount board by the artist. All prints are in excellent condition overall. Two have been framed to museum standards for viewing in this exhibition. The included original portfolio case 16.5″ x 14″ x .75″ has warpage; so, all prints not on display have been stored in a separate, 100% archival portfolio box. This entire portfolio has been authenticated and appraised by Christian|Reilly, registered by The Appraisers Association of America, Inc.