Museum Features Landscape Photography
By Mallory Miller
The de Saisset Museum's new exhibit "Seeking Answers," displays abstract and realistic photographs of landscapes creating a simplistic yet intriguing appreciation for nature.
The collection, which opened on April 12, exhibits former Bay Area photographer Wynn Bullock's work. These photographs are especially unique because they capture the beauty of different environments and the nature within the Bay Area.
Some of the areas depicted in his photographs include Yosemite National Park, Monterey, Carmel and Cannery Row, many of which were taken in the 1950s. These landscape photographs are printed in black and white gelatin silver print.
Visitors of the exhibit sense the passion and connection that Bullock felt with the locations he captured.
"Coming from Seattle, it was really cool seeing the photographs of the different natural sights of the Bay Area," said freshman Connor Ridgeway. "The cluster of photographs of Point Lobos really want me to go visit the sight."
The Point Lobos environment was particularly inspiring to Bullock as it was a source of energy and growth. Bullock took many photos there, several of which are on display in the de Saisset.
"When he was at Point Lobos, he seemed to feel an extra measure of joy and extraordinary openness, vitality and receptivity," said his daughter, Barbara Bullock.
As Bullock's photography career progressed, he became interested in the study and use of light in photography, vesting away from strictly black and white photographs. He began printing in color using a variety of materials including water, transparent glue, bits of optical glass, tinted plastic and cellophane.
"He was working with color just as it was coming into vogue, and they were developing the processes to be able to produce color imagery," said Lindsey Kouvaris, curator of exhibits and collections at the de Saisset Museum. "He was always wanting to push the boundaries and thinking about new ways of working."
Twenty of Bullocks' color prints were exhibited in the de Saisset Museum in 1972. He later donated some of his works to the museum.
"The museum has a long-standing relationship with Bullock," said Kouvaris.
Since Bullock passed, his family has loaned several other color prints to the museum. The six color photographs featured in "Seeking Answers" are a part of a gift from Bullock Family Photography LLC.
"As long as I can remember, I have been filled with a deep desire to find a means of creatively interacting with the world, or understanding more of what is within and around me," said Wynn Bullock. "When I photograph, what I'm really doing is seeking answers to things."
Contact Mallory Miller at memiller@scu.edu or call (408) 554-4852.