“Sam Gulliver is a photographer based in Detroit, Michigan. While he is geographically rooted in a metropolitan setting, his work often delves into the culture and experiences of rural peoples. As a product of the Rust Belt himself, Gulliver seeks to challenge the stereotypical, faceless image of the Midwest, offering a fresh and distinctive perspective on this often-overlooked region of the United States. Three Rings is Gulliver’s documentary project focusing on three dirt racetracks in Western Michigan during the 2023 season.”
I love this kid. Protected from noise and dust and surrounded by unidentifiable adults, it’s that fleeting time in your life when you haven’t yet acquired self-consciousness and you’re safe to be your own superhero.
And you don’t need a couple cocktails to be your authentic self. Who doesn’t secretly still love a sparkly purple tulle skirt? The striking contrast between the steel barrier and cyclone fencing while positioning the figure in the lower half of the scene emphasizes her fragility.
The undisclosed material that produced this fiery cloud incites a visceral response related to something significantly more nefarious than the probable reality. The centered explosive oranges set against a cloudless blue, grey sky with anchoring trees, brick wall, and a lone utility pole assemble into a well-timed composition.
The images that wind up plastered all over socials, ads and news often lean toward flashy, celebrity or wealthy. Very few of us categorize that way. Americana is most of us, going to a job every day, providing for and protecting our families. Weekends spent finding diversions from the grind, which might be heading to the racetrack or blowing shit up. We may dress a little differently. Our accent varies. But we’re closer than we seem to be aware of. This series of photos brings that home.
On view through March 30th. Brought to you by Hatch Art Gallery and Subjectively Objective
*images courtesy of Hatch Art. Limited edition prints have no individual titles and are available in several sizes.
direct quote from gallery materials
**On a personal and professional note: I started this newsletter to promote the best of Detroit’s visual arts because earning a living as a creative is challenging on a good day. I’m distressed to report a real-life Lemony Snicket Series of Unfortunate Events, which I’ll relate in broad strokes to save you, dear reader, from the cumbersome details.
I was originally scheduled for a solo show at detroit contemporary this March as part of an artist representation agreement. Due to issues regarding the venue, the opening was delayed to May 1st and scheduled to run through June 28th. A couple weeks ago I was informed the gallery director resigned. The stipulated 90-day notice of termination of this agreement was activated by the gallery, which means the contract would be null and void on June 2nd,, halfway through my show. Under these circumstances, it seemed prudent to cancel my exhibition.
Visiting Galerie Camille for last week’s review, its owner Adnan Charara, aware of my predicament, graciously offered his space for my show to run this October. I’m continuously blown away by this community’s capacity for generosity and thrilled to be exhibiting with this remarkable host. Thank you, Adnan, for your compassion and kindness.
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Maureen Bunch
SHOWS OPEN THIS WEEKEND
Love this piece, excited to hear details over the summer as the October show approaches.