Ouachita to exhibit prints by noted photographer Andrè Kertèsz Sept. 21-Nov. 10
September 21, 2015
- Anna HurstOuachita Baptist University’s Department of Art and Design will host an exhibit of
prints by noted Hungarian American photographer Andrè Kertèsz Sept. 21-Nov. 10. The
exhibit will be displayed in the Rosemary Gossett Adams Gallery on the first floor
of Moses-Provine Hall on Ouachita’s campus, and it is free and open to the public.
Kertèsz, whose work spans several decades, is considered a leader in making street
photography an art. He is also widely respected for his revolutionary contributions
to photojournalism and photographic composition. The ability to take the camera out
of the studio came into existence just as Kertèsz’s career was beginning and his unique
street style set him apart from others in his field.
In 1925, he moved from Hungary to Paris and worked for their first illustrated magazine,
VU, gaining a reputation in the magazine industry. In World War II, he moved to the
United States where he continued to establish himself through commissioned and magazine-related
work. Eventually, he returned to the more artistic aspects of photography, earning
widespread international recognition.
“He was really one of the founders of being able to take the camera out into the street
and photograph people as they live,” said Ferris Williams, OBU assistant professor
of Art and Design and curator of the exhibit. “I think his eye for composition and
for the shot, those fleeting moments, was something that really stood out.”
About 20 numbered prints will be included in the exhibit. The prints are part of a
collection donated to Ouachita by the Allen Tillery family of Hot Springs. This is
the second exhibit of works from the collection to be displayed at Ouachita. The collection
includes pieces from a wide array of art styles and eras and is valued at more than
$250,000.
“For a school Ouachita’s size and for a community like Arkadelphia, it is a great
thing to have,” Williams said. “You don’t have to go to a large city museum to see
art of this caliber, which is nice.”
The Department of Art and Design utilizes the pieces not only for display purposes,
but also as educational tools.
“In my case, with these Kertèsz prints, I definitely plan on discussing things like
composition because he is just such an amazing photographer when it comes to composing
and finding the moment, this mysterious moment,” Williams said. “I can also even talk
about printmaking. It’s definitely valuable to have access to that.”
Regular exhibit hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information,
contact Ferris Williams at [email protected] or (870) 245-5565.
By Anna Hurst
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