MAPLEWOOD, NJ — The Gallery at 1978 Maplewood Arts Center is showing a new exhibit, “Pure Photography.” This will be an exploration and grand retrospective look into photographic art in its natural, purest form — from the days of film to the more recent digital process. Acclaimed photographer Barry Gray curates works from five renowned photographers, whose collective portfolio spans four decades.
The exhibition open with a reception on Saturday, Oct. 22, from 2 to 5 p.m. Refreshments will be served. The show closes Nov. 27.
Exhibiting photographers include Gray, David Booker, Howard Best, Lydia Wilson and Lola Flash. Gray is a professional photographer and owner of Location Photography in New Jersey. He has been an educator and has worked in photography for many years. Wilson majored in elementary education, minored in fine arts and has an in-depth study of photography from film to the digital process. Some of the subjects she captures are scenic landscapes, florals, animals, and portraits from her travels and beyond. Booker has been a professional photographer for more than 30 years. He was the first black photographer for The Star-Ledger and his work captured images using techniques as diverse as his principal subjects: women. Best worked and lived in Newark since the age of 6. He attended the New York School of Visual Arts and is a retired media technician with Newark Public Schools. Best has also worked at Essex County College, Seton Hall University and the Urban League of Essex County. Flash was born in the United States and is of African and Native American heritage. She spent 10 years in London, where she regularly exhibited her work and also attained her master’s degree. Flash is now based in New York, where she continues to teach and create.