cultural event 2

Kayla Vahling

Cultural Event 2

Photo Portfolio

2/21/11

J. John Priola Lecture

            John Priola’s lecture on the history of his personal artwork was much more interesting than I had originally anticipated.  I had heard of John Priola as a photographer before, but did not realize how many other mediums he incorporated into his works, and what a wide variety of subjects he worked with.  Many of his early works we photographs that were collaged with paintings, prints, clippings, and drawings, which were then photographed or scanned to create a final one surface work.  This part caught my interest because I personally like to create collages of different mediums, but prefer the single surface of a photograph. 

            I have always enjoyed seeing installation artwork, but when I have been pressed with actually creating installation work I have not enjoyed it.  Priola’s lecture really opened up the world of exhibiting work and displaying installation pieces for me.  He spoke extensively on the use of light to really direct the viewer.  He was not just talking about setting track lights to illuminate the artwork, but light within the artwork as well.  He also mentioned that he found it interesting to light areas of the gallery space that did not feature artwork and to observe how people were drawn to the lighted areas.  His use of light directed audience participation in much of his installation work.

            Priola’s work has been shown in many museums and galleries, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and the Museum of Fine Art in Houston.  After hearing his lecture and getting the chance to see the variety of work he has created I have a new appreciate for J. John Priola.