Beyond the Snapshot: Hidden Meanings in Everyday Photographs – Boca Raton Museum of Art’s Latest Exhibition

By Rachel Galvin

A click of a shutter, a pop of a flash and a moment captured in time. A photograph is more than a picture. It is a tiny fragment of life itself. The visual medium may be two-dimensional but its meaning runs deep. 

The new exhibition at the Boca Raton Museum of Art showcases the work of five artists:  Sheila Pree Bright, Liesa Cole, Karen Graffeo, Spider Martin and Hank Willis Thomas. It includes photographs and installations that feature the themes of hidden meanings, truths and more. The works come from the collection of Doug McCraw. It was curated by Kathleen Goncharov, the museum’s Senior Curator.

“The Power of Photography: Myths, Secrets, Lies and Truths” presents five distinct voices that delve into and illuminate so many aspects of life,” says Irvin Lippman, the executive director of the Boca Raton Museum of Art. “Our thanks to Doug McCraw, who has built an extraordinary and stimulating collection that will facilitate insightful conversations.”

Sometimes, an advertisement is selling more than the product. Artist Hank Willis Thomas took a look at ads featuring African Americans and removed the verbiage, logos and any reference to the product, just leaving the imagery. By stripping down the ad to just the African Americans presented within them, he could get a sense of the opinion of the person creating the ad and of the culture and the stereotypes that led to the themes shown in the imagery. Then, he added new titles to further clarify the themes he saw being portrayed. His pieces lead to discussion of the history of race and how these types of stereotypes are still pervasive today.

Spider Martin, in contrast, created photographs that are meant to be seen in their entirety, black and white, nothing taken away, just the truth remains. The acclaimed photojournalist took photos during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. His powerful images spotlight the tension of real moments in American history, The passion of the protest, the violence in the moment, the profound and long-lasting impact of each experience were all captured by him. The moments that took place then continue to resonate now.

While his pictures focus on the experiences of African Americans, Sheila Pree Bright takes pictures of people of all backgrounds around the country, each posing with the American flag. This Young Americans series explores what it means to be an American and the feelings these young people have about the country. Not only are there photos, but also audio recordings expressing their feelings.

Artist Karen Graffeo goes outside the country for her photography. Her series focuses on daily life in Cuba. It’s amazing what can be told in a simple photo of a man walking next to a muraled wall. In her “Havana: The Weight of Life” piece, everything in the image signals melancholy, from the yellowed-face man looking down pensively as he walks by the wall’s yellow mural, complete with downturned black arrows raining down negativity. Everything seems to signal the hopelessness of the place yet the man hazards forward. In “Roma girl: no ticket, train of life,” a young brown-skinned girl is silenced by a large red arrow blocking part of her face, hiding her expression. Her outstretched hand against the glass could signal a cry for help. The warmth in her eyes signals slight sadness, a gentle humanity. Together, these symbols showcase the situation of the Roma people – human beings striving to live like everyone else, but left to fend for themselves against an oppressive society that puts them on the bottom of the social class. Yet, they strive forward. Even the smallest among them show strength, gentility and beauty. For 25 years, Graffeo has tried to give these peoples, also termed “Gypsies,” a voice, showing their courage and humanity.

Liesa Cole’s photographs, projections and installations are about those who share secrets and those who keep them. When does someone feel able to profess a secret? Who are the people you tell secrets to? In the middle of one of the rooms is her installation called “Repository of Secrets.” Made of foam and metal, it looks both artificial and natural at the same time, bright pink and beckoning visitors to step inside its twisted interior, almost like walking inside of an eardrum to hear what secrets have been shared. This intimate experience allows one person at a time and inside there are notecards where people can share secrets to later be read by others. It is a unique confessional. She includes pulsing light and a soft heartbeat to mimic a womb state, a warm and welcoming place where none shall be judged.

She also has an exhibition called “Truth,” a blown glass neon sculpture by Cole. It says Truth backwards and can only be seen properly in a mirror. She also has a video set up in a room by itself called “This is Life” filled with interesting imagery and stories being told. These are only a few of her pieces.

McGraw said he chooses art that is “very poignant to the political environment today and it creates great conversation and introspection,” adding, “All of these artist create great work with a powerful eye in creating the subject matter and the perspective presented.

“My collecting is a very eclectic process, think Louise Nevelson to John Waters.  There has been a focus on Black southern and contemporary artists in the last 25 years. These include Thornton Dial, Lonnie Holley, the Gees Bend Quilters, Charlie Lucas, Willie Cole, Radcliffe Bailey, Renee Stout, Roscoe Hall, Sheila Pree Bright and Hank Willis Thomas, to name a few. I collect what visually engages me with a compelling story.  The Black story in the South is a core theme in recent years.”

Asked if he has a favorite, he said, “Art is like children, it’s hard to pick a favorite.  Each of these artists have created an insightful way of bringing a powerful message to life.  Think of Liesa Cole’s neon piece of ‘Truth’ spelled backwards. ‘Only if we look in the mirror do we see the real truth.’”

He said he hopes the art “creates a dialogue and introspection of a conversation that is still as relevant in the current political environment as it was when it was created.”

He added, “I would like to add that I am grateful to the Boca Raton Museum of Art and want to thank Irvin Lippman, Martin Hanahan, Kathleen Goncharov and the staff who made the “magic” happen.”

“The Power of Photography: Myths, Secrets, Lies and Truths” will be on display until October 13 at The Boca Raton Museum of Art, at 501 Plaza Real in Mizner Park. For more information, visit www.bocamuseum.org.

Photos were taken by Rachel Galvin.

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