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June Issue 2007
Spartanburg Art Museum in Spartanburg, SC, Features Works by J. Michael Johnson
A controversial exhibition of photographs is on view at the Spartanburg Art Museum (SAM) in Spartanburg, SC. Taken by artist J. Michael Johnson, the images filled SAM's walls and one gallery, a strong contrast to the works of the Biennial Hub City Juried Art Competition. Titled, Bikers: Expressions of Freedom, there are two groups of images, on view through June 24, 2007.
Steve Baker had the following to say about Johnson's exhibition: "The first group is of Johnson's street photography, captured over several years, at the motorcycle rallies at Daytona Beach, Florida. The images capture the diversity of riders and their lifestyle, who attend these rallies. Some are of bikes driving down the street, others are riders who are walking past. The most interesting of these are the night shots, an abstract, colorful expression of movement."
"The powerful, poignant images of the second group are the real reason to go see this exhibit. Taken in Washington, DC, at the annual Rolling Thunder rally, I was taken back in time, to my life growing up in the turbulent era of the Vietnam War. Johnson has captured the real Memorial Day, the one public day of remembrance of our fallen Veterans. As we look at the images, it reminds us that a loss of loved ones, especially due to the violence of war, can never be totally healed. We are reminded that outward appearance has no influence on the inner sorrow of never being able to see your brother or comrade in arms again. The images also capture the mementos left at the panels of the Vietnam War Memorial, as these veterans and family members touch a small physical vestige of their loved one, maybe saying hello again, or saying goodbye, for the thousandth time."
"More than thirty years after the last Americans left Vietnam, we are reminded that for many of America's veterans, the past is a part of their daily lives. Looking forward through these powerful images, I was struck by the thought of what impact the current conflict America is struggling with, and wondered how an Iraq Era veteran would portray these current events, thirty years from now."
"Johnson's skillfully displayed images leave a powerful memory, of a past era. We also are reminded that for some, the past will never be forgotten, nor wounds received never fully healed. It is important to remember and support those who served in the past, and Johnson's exhibition is a powerful invitation to offer our thanks to all men and women who are now, or have previously served in our Armed Forces."
For further information check our SC Institutional Gallery listings, contact SAM at 864/582-7616 or visit (www.spartanburgartmuseum.org).
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