BINGHAMTON, NY - The Binghamton University Art Museum will hold an opening reception for its spring exhibition, The Inner Landscape of Dance: Photographs by Barbara Morgan 1935–1944, from 5-7 p.m. Friday, March 27. The vintage photographs by Morgan are on loan from the collection of Dr. and Mrs. Monroe Kornfeld. John Tagg, distinguished professor of art history and co-organizer of the exhibition, will speak about the photographs on view at the opening. The exhibition will be on view Friday, March 27 through Saturday, June 20.
The photographs, many of which are now iconic, depict modern dancers Martha Graham, Doris Humphrey, Merce Cunningham and others. Graham is seen performing moments from Lamantation, War Theme and Deep Song, as well as the famous "kick" from Letter to the World. Images of Cunningham’s collaborations with John Cage are featured, as are the inspired and studied work of Pearl Primus. Photographer Morgan used a hand-held Graflex Speed Graphic press camera to capture dancers mid-movement, resulting in dynamic and dramatic images that remain fresh today.
Many of the photographs are prints used for the 1941 book, Martha Graham - Sixteen Dances in Photographic Sequence, published by Barbara and her husband, Willard Morgan. All of the photographs on view were printed by Barbara Morgan and acquired by the Kornfelds from Lloyd Morgan, the Morgan’s son.
A catalogue, featuring an introduction by Diane Butler, director of the Binghamton University Art Museum, and an essay by Tagg, as well as images of all 30 photographs displayed in the exhibition, is available for purchase for $15 in the museum shop.
Several public programs will be offered in conjunction with the exhibition:
Photographs through the eyes of others
Mid-week talks at noon Wednesdays
April 22 William Lawson, lecturer in music, historian of dance
April 29 Richard Lee, professor of sociology, former dancer and photographer
May 6 John Tagg, distinguished professor of art history, historian of photography
The Fabric of Modern Dance
A lecture by Barbara Erin Delo ’12, wardrobe supervisor, Martha Graham Dance Company
5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 7
Dance Stories
The resident dance company of the Endicott Performing Arts Center performs Open Channels
5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 28
Closing reception
2-4 p.m. Saturday, June 20
Interactive dance performance with Karen Koyanagi and dancers at 3 p.m.
Families are welcome!
All events are free and open to the public. For hours, directions and details see http://www.binghamton.edu/art-museum.
