Works by photographers Chuck Davis and Eva Rubinstein are currently on display in side-by-side galleries at the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum.
“Chuck Davis: The Wheel” showcases 38 photographic images, many taken using antique equipment – a 1904 Seroco 4-by-5 dry plate camera – and printing techniques: tintypes, large format film, and wet-plate photography which uses hand-coated emulsions on glass.
Davis describes his exhibition, “’The Wheel’ is the name of a project in progress, honoring and observing lands once described as Indian Territory. Cultural narratives inform this project, situated in places of forced relocation – and especially areas near the terminus of the Trail of Tears.” The name itself refers to the lottery wheel that contained the slips of paper that told newly-arrived Europeans where their new parcels of land were located.
Exhibited at the same time – another important collection of photography in RAM’s permanent collection – the Eva Rubinstein Portfolio.
Born in 1933, Eva Rubinstein is a Polish-American photographer whose artistic works present portraits, nudes, and interiors, taken in Europe and the United States. With her art and music background (her mother a ballerina, her father a pianist), Rubinstein grew up in a creative environment. Rubinstein studied drama in college and became interested in photography in 1967, learning from noted photographers Lisette Model and Diane Arbus, and working as a photojournalist.
Rubinstein’s black-and-white photography is often a play on dark and light, such as the white drapery lit by a window and flowing into a dark room as in the photo “Dark Lobby,” or the quiet, soft light of “Toby’s Bed.”
Both exhibitions will run through June 5.
Located in downtown Fort Smith, the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum offers fine art exhibitions from world-class artists, important traveling exhibitions, and art by emerging artists. In its modern, 16,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility, RAM offers a wide range of art education opportunities and cultural events. From professional art workshops and juried art contests to online art classes and free Saturday art making programs, RAM connects with schools, visitors and community members of all ages and ethnic backgrounds to support the cultural needs of the region.
This column is produced by the River Valley Arts Coalition. To send comments or for more information contact [email protected]
ART THIS WEEK:
Fort Smith Regional Art Museum
1601 Rogers Ave., Fort Smith
479-784-2787
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“John Haas In Memoriam”: On view through May 22.
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“RAM Annual Invitational – Metamorphosis”: On view through May 22.
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“Chuck Davis – The Wheel”: On view through June 5.
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“Selections from the Permanent Collection – The Eva Rubinstein Portfolio”: On view through June 5.
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“Dr. W.E. Knight Porcelain Gallery” in memory of Dr. Henry Udouj.
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“Drop-in and Draw”: Live model; 10-3 p.m. Thursdays; bring supplies; register at fsram.org/education.
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“RAM Sketch”: Pen and ink series with Laura Wattles available on Zoom every Tuesday at 7 p.m.; register at fsram.org/education or join via Facebook Live.
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Visit fsram.org.
Windgate Art & Design
5210 Kinkead Ave., Fort Smith
479-788-7290
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“EXTRA/ORDINARY: An Exhibition of Work by Jo Stealey”: On view through March 11.
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Permanent collection on view Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Arts on Main
415 Main St., Van Buren
479-474-7767
This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: River Valley Art Beat: Photography double feature at RAM
