Exhibit Explores UK Photography Students’ ‘Shelter in Place’ Experience
LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 4, 2020) — A recent virtual — and physical — exhibition of work by 14 University of Kentucky digital photography students captured the world outside their doors as the artists created work while staying healthy at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Shelter in Place,” organized by UK faculty member James Robert Southard of the School of Art and Visual Studies, was available to view in person by appointment at The Parachute Factory through last weekend, and remains viewable online.
“Shelter in Place” is a response to the events surrounding the coronavirus pandemic through the eyes, and lenses, of current and recent UK digital photography students. With the help of Southard, their instructor, artists used digital photography to create works representing how they are dealing with the experience. Whether it be the artists’ growing respect for health care workers, feelings surrounding their self-isolation, or even the hobbies that help them escape the stresses of modern life, each piece reflects this time in history. “It is with great pride that I share a show that was made during one of the most challenging semesters for my fellow educators' careers, as well as our students' careers,” said Southard, a senior lecturer of photography. “Through social distancing, video conferences and file sharing, we put together a collective body of work that shows off our communities' concerns and pride. We hope that this work will be looked back upon, years from now, as a unique example of artists responding to their locale, highlighting our community’s unique experience.”
Online viewers of “Shelter in Place” can hear each of the art students talk about their ideas and processes for their work through a video by each artist. In addition, individuals can see the work as it appeared in the gallery space and listen to the artist’s video through an interactive virtual tour of “Shelter in Place” located online here.
Located in Lexington’s Northside, The Parachute Factory is a nonprofit, multi-use space to promote artistic endeavors and community engagement.
The UK School of Art and Visual Studies, part of the College of Fine Arts, offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in the fields of art studio, art history and visual studies, art education, curatorial studies and digital media design.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.
In 2022, UK was ranked by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity, a testament to our commitment to advance Kentucky and create a community of belonging for everyone. While our mission looks different in many ways than it did in 1865, the vision of service to our Commonwealth and the world remains the same. We are the University for Kentucky.