Painting portraits through the lens

Brian Beachum and Glen McClure opened their photography exhibition on Sept. 21 at the Hofheimer Library Art Gallery and it will run through Oct 28 2004. The exhibit unites two uniquely different artists with two different styles that conveniently play off each other.

Brian Beachum contributed photographs from his Vanishing American Icons photo documentary series. His pieces reveal seven years of capturing classic objects and locations of the past.

"As America modernized and streamlined itself in the later 20th century, social patterns (and places) changed with it," said Beachum. "Family entertainment outside the home could have meant a drive-inn movie, a round at the local skating rink or a night out for ice cream at the ice cream parlor. My intention in this project is to capture these images on film."

Included in these early era establishments, are locations with personal attachments. "Redskins Theater" was the first movie theater visited by Beachum's wife Sharon. It was located in Oklahoma, three blocks from her parents’ house. However, one of Beachum's favorite images is "Triangle Diner." With many diners exposed in his documentary, the waitress in the image makes this one distinctive.

"What makes this image unique is the waitress standing in the background," said Beachum. " The cocked hip to the way she's holding the platter has become embedded into her persona. It was a perfect captured moment."

For older generations, Beachum's photographs are a reminiscent of forgotten memories. At the same time, they introduce young viewers to a history that is slowly vanishing and really only visualized in movies.

"His work makes you open to nostalgia," said senior Kristen Cabido. "It makes you want to reserve old America. Don't shut them down!"

Beachum manages to avoid people in many of his images. In "Hollywood Diner," a man's face is missing, and in "Oklahoma Stockyards," the cowboy in the right corner is often overlooked by the viewer. This observation is noticed immediately after entering this exhibition in large part due to the works of Glen McClure.

For McClure's "Random Portrait of Virginia" exhibit, he set up several sidewalk studios for a day across the state. He photographed anyone willing to participate. In the process he produced hundreds of images and met hundreds of people.

"After working on 460 faces for two years I feel like they are all my friends," said McClure. "I have formed quite a wide spectrum of new friends across the Commonwealth of Virginia who helped me pull this project off."

Alone the images are shocking, artistic, and interesting to view. However, McClure not only displays portraits of random citizens, he also offers brief statements that make the subjects human. And in the end, that's his intent.

"I only hope that the viewer can somehow see that we are all in this together," said McClure. "Don't look down on folks that appear to be different from themselves."

McClure received his first camera at age 19 and was largely self-taught. After years of experimenting in portraits, landscapes, departures, and advertising he simply describes himself as a "people person." In addition to the friends he has met through photography throughout the years, he has also made fans.

"I love this photograph ("John Askew")," said senior Alexis Byrd. " I like it because he stands out and grabs your attention. He is big, he is holding a cigar, and there are tattoos all over him!"

Together the two artist invite a wide range of viewers. Their displays of black and white images remind observers of the importance of mundane places and people. Together they capture the essence of subjects that are too often, taken for granted.

Images are on sale and range between $195-$350.