Thursday, May 7, 2009
Utah Photographic Arts Council: Becoming The Machine
Posted By Gavin Sheehan on May 7, 2009, 3:45 AM
Sidestepping
the normal galleries and stroll events this month, a university program is
looking to put a new spin on photography.
--- Running out of a building in Sugarhouse, the Utah Photographic Arts Council
will be putting on a showing of unconventional photography entitled “Becoming
The Machine.” A display of different techniques and visual formats all focused
around the inspirations that came from a specific art class and a quote from
Sol Lewitt. I got a chance to chat with the UPAC President Mallory Qualls about
the organization and what it does, the upcoming show, thoughts on the art scene
and a few other topics. Not to mention some previews below which are only a
small sampling of what will be on display.
Mallory
Qualls
http://www.utah-pac.com
Gavin: Hey Mallory, first off, tell us a little bit about yourself.
Mallory: There isn’t too much to say. I graduate from the
Gavin: For those who don't know, what is UPAC?
Mallory: UPAC stands for the Utah Photographic Arts Council. It’s a
student run group that’s main purpose is to help students engage with the local
art community. We’re funded by the
Gavin: How did the idea come about to start it up?
Mallory: As undergrads, we learn a lot of techniques and a lot of art
history. Aside from preparing a portfolio, we don’t get much experience
preparing and being in exhibitions. We decided to start the UPAC so we could
gain experience in creating shows, as well as being able to expose ourselves to
the local art community.
Gavin: What photographers do you currently have on board with the
program?
Mallory: We have a lot of really great artists involved with UPAC this
year. We have had the chance to work with students both in and out of the
college of art, which has been really fun. The artists participating in
“Becoming The Machine” include Savana Jones (Vice President), Miranda Whitlock
(Secreatary), Maureen Minson (Treasurer), Tyler Lynch, Van Chu, Colin Roe
Ledbetter, Angela Edstrom, Dianne Sanchez, Lewis Crawford, Jordan Huntington,
and myself (President).
Gavin: What kind of exhibits have you done in the past?
Mallory: Aside from “Becoming The Machine,” we’ve had two other shows in
the past couple of years. Last spring we had a show at Gallery UAF (Equinox)
and this past fall we were at The Alvin Gittin’s Gallery (Mirrors and Windows).
Both exhibitions were traditional for the most part.
Gavin: Where did the idea come from for “Becoming The Machine”?
Mallory: Last fall %uFFFD of the presidency took an incredible modern
art history class that filled our heads with crazy ideas. Among other things we
were inspired to write manifestos, create a group similar to Fluxus, and create
shows based on artists that we found to be inspiring. “Becoming The Machine” is
specifically based on the quote by Sol Lewitt’s “The idea becomes the machine
that makes the art.”
Gavin: Why did you choose the Sugarhouse location instead of a regular
gallery?
Mallory: We wanted to try and do something different and explore
non-traditional venues. The space that we have found is really bizarre, which
is what we love about it. It’s literally a random door in the middle of an
unpaved street. Inside it only gets better. Random writings on the wall, crazy
wooden hooks coming from the ceiling…Its amazing!
Gavin: What kind of displays will people be able to see?
Mallory: People will be able to see a little bit of everything. There
will be video installation, performance, projection, and alternative process
photography. I’m really excited about the work in this show. It’s both
technically incredible and conceptually solid.
Gavin: For some of the non-traditional material, will it be put up
somewhere for display after the showing?
Mallory: Besides the opening on May 8th, we will be having
weekly happenings on the weekends or people can schedule to come see the
exhibition by scheduling an appointment.
Gavin: A little local, what are your thoughts on our art scene, both
good and bad?
Mallory: There has been a lot of growth and people are definitely
starting to care more about local artists, which is awesome! I really enjoy
Gallery Stroll, there are some really terrific galleries around SLC. The
Gavin: Anything you believe could be done to make it bigger or better?
Mallory: I think that
Gavin: What you think of Gallery Stroll and how its done over the years?
Mallory: I really like the Gallery Stroll. It’s a great way to invite
people to come out and view art that otherwise wouldn’t. As an artist it’s
really fun too. It’s always great to go out to the stroll and see friends who
you haven’t seen for a long time. Friends Art always equals good times.
Gavin: What's your take on the Utah Arts Festival, and will you guys be
doing anything with it this year?
Mallory: We won’t be doing anything with the Utah Arts Festival, but UAF
has definitely been a supporter of ours. We had our very first show there! So
long ago… oh, the memories!
Gavin: What can we expect from you and UPAC the rest of the year?
Mallory: Unfortunately since the school year is ending that means that
UPAC’s festivities are too, for this school year anyway. I’m sure there will be
plenty of events next year though. The incoming presidency is pretty awesome,
and I’m sure they’ll have great ideas for the future of UPAC.
Gavin: Aside from the obvious, is there anything you'd like to plug or
promote?
Mallory: I’ve been talking with one of our members, Colin, about this
question and all we’ve been able to come up with is gratuitous self-promotion,
or possibly promoting our day jobs in the hopes of getting a raise.. I guess I
sort of just plugged him.. Colin Roe Ledbetter, He’s a cool dude.
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