Flor Garduno photographs depict wordless definitions of humanity.

A selection of the prominent Mexican photographer’s latest collection, ‘Witnesses of Time,’ is being presented in the Lowe Art Gallery in the Shaffer Art Building until Feb. 13.

The assortment of photographs comes from a five-year project which features native people and landscapes from countries such as Mexico, Guatemala, Bolivia and Ecuador. Many of the pieces center around themes of religion, but all contain a deep emotional background.

Some are lighter in spirit, like a picture entitled ‘Tortuga/Turtle’ in which a man in bandana and cowboy hat wears a costume which makes it seem as though he is riding a giant turtle. And others are more serious, such as ‘Flores Santas/Holy Flowers,’ which portrays a young woman surrounded by darkness, holding flowers with specific beams of light illuminating only the plants.

‘The photography is very impressive,’ said Stephen Stuart, a junior film major. ‘It has that certain draw that pulls. The photography is very reflective of life, and I think it’s a good analogy for who we are as people.’

‘Witnesses of Time’ is Garduno’s most recent and fourth collection of photography, while her past photographs are being displayed all over the world. Ted Aiken, director of the Lowe Gallery, knew of the artist for a long time and said he has admired her work for many years. Now was just a perfect time to exhibit her work, he said.

While the photographs are Garduno’s, the entire exhibit was planned out and created by Syracuse University students in the museum curator Practicum 1 class. Everything from the colors to font design to wall placements was carefully mapped out and created to fit the artist’s overall design for her work, then displayed for the public.

The exhibit will culminate on Feb. 3, when the artist joins Fatima Bercht, chief curator of El Museo Del Barrio in New York City, and Hannah Frieser, the associate director of Light Work, to discuss her work in Sherman Auditorium. Many who know about photography are very exited about the artist’s visit because of her worldwide fame, said Jean Hart, office coordinator of the Lowe Gallery.

‘This photography is for anyone who knows that a person is sad just by looking at them, or is happy just by looking at them, or if someone has ever been impressed or became emotional just by viewing an object, then they can appreciate this exhibit,’ Stuart said. ‘You don’t have to be an art person to view it; all you have to be is a person who can empathize.’

IF YOU GO

What: Flor Garduno’s ‘Witnesses of Time’ Photography Exhibit

Where: Lowe Art Gallery, Shaffer Art Building

When: Open through Feb. 13, Tuesday through Sunday, noon-5 p.m., Wednesday, noon- 8 p.m.

Cost: Free

Published on January 17, 2005 at 12:00 pm