DC-Based Photography: Contemporary Photography from the Washington Metropolitan Region

WASHINGTON, DC – June 19, 1995 Washington Project for the Arts (WPA) brought together six area photographers in a group exhibition of work at its main gallery at 400 Seventh Street NW in DC. This exhibition marked the first in a series featuring local artists as part of WPA’s renewed commitment to the DC arts community.

The work of these six photographers, Ken Ashton, Carl Bower, Doug Brown, Chan Chao, Michelle Frankfurter and Kim Kirkpatrick retained the coherence of six distinctive shows within the group exhibition format. Each photographer brought a range of experience and diversity to their craft, as is evidenced by the technical virtuosity and varied thematic content in the exhibition.

These photographers turned their eyes to that which is familiar and that which is foreign, each capturing … Ken Ashton continued his investigation of DC-area neighborhoods, this time he captured the character of his own community in Arlington; Carl Bower presented an intimate and powerful narrative on both the ravages and triumphs associated with breast cancer; Doug Brown…; Chan Chao…; Michelle Frankfurter explored photography as a means of allegory, delineating Haiti’s tumultuous conditions with imagery that transcends the photojournalistic intent; Kim Kirkpatrick….

“”DC Based Photography”” reflected the continued vitality of WPA’s contemporary arts mission and its substantial support of local artists over the last two decades. The exhibition showcased the poignant visions of these area photographers, celebrating their creativity. Each of the photographers were on hand to discuss their work during the closing reception on Tuesday, September 5 at 7pm. The panel discussion focused on the individual artists and the motivation that directed the nature of their work.

Opening Reception on Friday, June 30, 7-9pm

Panel discussion & closing reception on Tuesday September 5, 1995, 7pm