Last night I had the pleasure of attending the opening of the Stephen Wilkes exhibition at the new David Gallery in Los Angeles: “Ellis Island”, showing October 14-December 30.

Wow.

As we’ve discussed before there are many ways to view an image.

The sheer emotional power of this collection is not to be missed in person if you can.

As you look at these large, some near life size images, the almost serene settings may hit you at first. Perhaps it will be the evocative colors of the rooms captured in, well I’m not sure I would call it all of their glory, but all of their intensity.

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Hallway with Files, Ellis Island, 1997
© Stephen Wilkes

The lives that passed through these rooms are unmistakably indelibly imbedded in each room you visit.

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The Blue Room, Ellis Island
©Stephen Wilkes

There is one image that holds 2 sinks and a mirror reflecting a familiar view of NYC. At the size shown, it is nearly life size.
Mr. Wilkes himself was visibly moved by this image once presented on the stark white wall of the gallery.

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TB Ward, Ellis Island
© Stephen Wilkes

There is a beautifully produced oversized book of the full set of images available at the gallery. For yourself, for a loved one, this belongs in your collection.

Now you can also view the collection in an on-line experience. This thoughtful, well produced, media presentation is available at Ellis Island Ghosts. You will be treated to the images and, by clicking on the explanation tab under the photograph, an overlay of the photographers’ thoughts on that image. With an engaging ,yet not overpowering soundtrack, this is new way of approaching these images.Brilliant.

Mr. Wilke has given this subject the respect it deserves and has also made the experience available to you in beautifully varied formats.

If you would like to purchase one of the prints, please contact :
The David Gallery
5797 Washington Blvd.
Culver City ,CA. 90232
Phone: 323.939.9069
Email :info@davidgallery.net

And the David Gallery is a great welcome addition to the photography scene in Los Angeles. Welcoming space, 2 main gallery areas,
and most importantly; a knowledgeable , friendly owner and staff. You’ll like this place.
Yes, easy to get to and parking is a snap.

If you are in NYC, Stephen Wilkes has an exhibition entitled ” In Katrina’s Wake:Restoring a Sense of Place”
World Monuments Fund Gallery
September 14-December 1, 2006
15 East 27th Street
NYC,NY
Tel 646-424-9594 x220

Let us know what you think of the exhibit.

Cheers!
Damon Webster

This entry was posted on Sunday, October 15th, 2006 at 9:21 am and is filed under Galleries, Photo News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.