At a Glance: Students Curate Thought-provoking Stare Stare Stereo by Susan Grossman
(left) Thomas Payne (U.S., b. 1956) Roller Coaster, 1981, Gelatin silver print, 11” x 13 7/8”, Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, The University of Oklahoma, Norman. (right) John Nesom (U.S., b. 1920), Clergy at Stonehenge, 1967, Gelatin silver print, 9.5” x 13”, Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, The University of Oklahoma, Norman.
When we see an image in relation to another, we can begin to analyze and interpret the photograph from a new perspective. By looking at one, looking at the other, and considering them together, we become active participants in a visual dialogue. A mere 20 photographs comprise the first-ever exhibit exclusively curated by students for the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art at the University of Oklahoma in Norman. Two photos paired in each frame means that Stare Stare Stereo is just 10 pieces. But don’t expect to breeze right through this thoughtfully prepared assembly of photos cultivated from the museum’s permanent collection. The core concept is to inspire concentrated looking by viewers. It could take awhile. The name of the exhibit itself comes from two stereographs at the entrance. By pressing the face against the viewer, the image seen appears three dimensional. That is because a stereograph is composed of two images that are slightly different. Similar to these introductory images, the pieces in Stare Stare Stereo are paired together and seemingly merge. The one common denominator is architecture. Each image contains an element of architecture – Shakespeare’s birthplace circa 1892 for example. This architectural component serves as a control to tie the entire exhibit together. Yet this is not an architectural photo exhibit, rather the strategic use of a unifying element to invite the viewer to consider the content of the photo equally with a unifying complex construction.
The yellowish-tinted Man with Tower Ruins taken in 1870 is contrasted with starker black and white Silo from 1970. The crumbled, leaning tower is a few feet higher than the man posed against it, dressed in button shirt, vest and trousers. He casually leans against it, one hand in his pocket. The view of the silo is from the ground looking up, with light peaking through the slats on the roof. Individual photos, yes. Side-by-side, the viewer can begin making comparisons and noting similarities. Both tower-shaped structures are in a state of disrepair. Light and weather comes right through. Roller Coaster, circa 1981, is paired with Clergy at Stonehenge circa 1967. Two seemingly disparate images, certainly. Are they really? With intense and concentrated visual study, shapes and similarities may emerge. Decide for yourself. Stop by to have a look, make that a stare, sometime this spring. Stare Stare Stereo remains on display through May 15. n Susan Grossman is a lifelong journalist and public relations specialist who currently works as a development officer. Her hobby job is freelance writing for a variety of local, regional and national publications covering everything from art and architecture to sports. Reach her at susangrossman@cox.net.
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