McKnight: New Photography and Department of Art New Faculty
August 31—September 30, 2004
This exhibition featured work by four McKnight Photography Fellows. The four artists—Terry Gydesen, Celeste Nelms, Xavier Tavera, and Katherine Turczan—each received a $25,000 award from the University of Minnesota/McKnight Foundation Artist Fellowships for Photographers Program in spring 2003. Examples of their work during the ensuing months were presented in this exhibition, which traveled to Duluth and Moorhead following its run at the Nash.
- Terry Gydesen, of northeast Minneapolis, followed activities at the Minnesota State Capitol during her fellowship year. Her focus was on legislators Mee Moua and Scott Dibble, who many name as the standard-bearers for the legacy of the late Paul Wellstone.
- Celeste Nelms (St. Paul) continued her work in idiosyncratic, anecdotal self-portraiture. Her images are often toned and presented in antique or novelty frames, offering mixed sensations of performance and nostalgia.
- Xavier Tavera (St. Paul) creates large-scale color portraits of individuals whose character and life passions are made manifest through their costumes and physical bearing. His choices of subjects are often derived from his Mexican heritage.
- Katherine Turczan (Minneapolis) uses her large-format camera to consider details of her own family life. Turczan’s large black-and-white prints present moments of creative idleness and contemplation; during her fellowship year she worked extensively with her pre-adolescent son.
The McKnight Foundation, of Minneapolis, awards artist fellowships in twelve disciplines through nine arts organizations. The photography awards serve Minnesota-resident artists whose creative, personal work has progressed to mid-career status.
To view recipient portfolios or to obtain additional information, visit the McKnight Photography Fellowship.
