Bare Witness: Photographs by Gordon Parks

Few people, have documented the African American experience like Mr. Gordon Parks.  Some, would argue the case for James Vanderzie and who could argue the point without a generous smile on their face. Yes, these are two great African American photographers, but .. it is the photography of Mr. Gordon Parks that will be featured at the Toledo Museum of Art during its Black History Month, 2010.

Bare Witness is a collection of 73 of Mr. Parks' works which will be displayed at the Canaday Gallery at the Toledo Museum of Art. The free exhibition opens to the public on Friday, February 5 and runs through April 25, 2010.

Many people are most familiar with Mr. Parks as the director of  the hit movie "Shaft", starring Richard Roundtree and  scored by the talented songwriter, artist, performer Issac Hayes. However Mr. Parks first movie , The Learning Tree, was based on his semi-autobiographical novel about a black teen in rural Kansas.

Mr. Parks' career began to take root in photography in the 1940's.  He worked for the Farm Security Administration and later as the first black photographer for the Office of War Information where he documented discrimination in Washington D.C..  He documented the evolution of of the Tuskegee Airman - the first black fighter pilot squadron - a historic accomplishment on its own merit. However, Mr. Parks work was just beginning to evolve.

He spent more than 20 years as a staff photographer for Life magazine honing and extolling his craft.  The quality of Mr. Parks' work has always placed him at the apex of great photographers, yet, he was more than a photographer; Gordon Parks was truly a documenter of history and his subjects often reflected the African American experience!

His technical ability and understanding, use of light, and use of black and white photography offered dignity to his subjects, especially African Americans. He lifted the human spirit through his gift!  You will see strong samples of his ability to capture the "soul of his subjects" in his portraiture's on display.

Quoting Tom Loeffler, assistant curator of works on paper at the museum, in a recent TMA release, " Bare Witness" (in the exhibition title) refers to Mr. Parks' photographic investigation of social, political, and racial issues throughout the world. He had the ability to become personally involved while never forgetting his position as a journalist.  He bore witness for us all."

KAREN DURRANT'S DREAMGIRLS

The Center for Fine and Peforming Arts at Owens Community College Center  presents Karen Durrant's Dreamgirsls 8:00 pm, Friday February 19, 2010.

Seating is reserved with two ticket levels.  Seating on the floor level is $20.00 per person and the  raised seats are $28.00 each. 

For more information or to purchase tickets call Owens Box Office at 567-661-2787.