PhotoEmerge's "Stories in a Black Box" opens to a strong reception

Text and photographs by Naveed Nour | May16, 2008 >Exhibit Info

Jason Jedrusiak, past PhotoEmerge exhibitor, studies the work of Meriah Burman

Boston – On May 15th PhotoEmerge celebrated its second exhibit of 2008, “Stories in a Black Box”, at the Brant Gallery at Mass College of Art and Design. The show, which opened to the warm and supportive reception of art enthusiasts from as far away as Cape Cod, featured the work of Justin Blinder, Meriah Burman, Annie Claflin, Sue Costello,  Julie Napoli, Elisabeth Neville, Mary Poulin and Alyssa Ringler. > Read More

Artist Alyssa Ringler (near left) talking to Naheed Khaki of Wellesley's Khaki Gallery

In January of 2008 this group of artists met with the curator, Naveed Nour, and together they forged the collaboration that led to this collection. As PhotoEmerge believes in the strength of individuals, and eschews restricting their creative spirits with chosen themes, this exhibit was defined by what each artist could bring to the table. The spectrum of this collection spans from the exploration of one’s lifelong relationship with the fragile landscape surrounding the family’s summer home, to a series of sublime mediations on the Ancient Chinese flower, mudan, also known as the peony.

Members of PhotoEmerge2 form left to right: Naveed Nour, Elisabeth Neville, Annie Claflin, Mary Poulin, Justin Blinder, Julie Napoli, Alyssa Ringler, Meriah Burman, Sue Costello and Zohreh Firouzabadian. (Photographed by Joshua Napoli)

Ultimately this astounding visualization of translated stories and feelings, will serve as a testimony to what this generation was experiencing. It will be up to the next generation to decipher these treasures stored in black boxes, to understand the past in order to create a better future.

Lou Jones talking to Meriah Burman

The success of this exhibit is attested by a featured article on Annie Claflin's work in the Metro Boston daily newspaper (read article), and by the presence of renowned Boston photographer Lou Jones, Naheed Khaki of Wellesley's Khaki Gallery, and Anne Marie Stein (Dean, Professional & Continuing Education at Mass Art) on opening night. Julie Napoli was also awarded a solo show at Medallion Gallery in Boston in recognition of her excellence at this group exhibit.

Above: Annie Claflin as part of her multimedia installation

Above: Alyssa Ringler

Above: Julie Napoli was awarded a solo exhibit at Medallion Gallery for her achievements in this exhibit.

Above: Lisa Neville with her work on the right.

Above: Justin Blinder in front of his exhibit

Above: Meriah Burman

Above: Sue Costello and her peony collection

Above: Mary Poulin and her installation

5 year old Ario chose Justin Blinder's "Placid" as his favorite work.

This exhibit will be on display until May 30, 2008. >Exhibit Info