Could we be wrong about the identity of this celebrated stone sculpture from ancient India?
The Didarganj Figurine: A Yakshi or a Ganika?
Western Minnesota photographer captures image for 2024 state park permit sticker
— It’s one of western Minnesota’s most popular destinations for anglers, the birthplace of the
, and it is appreciated by many for the beauty of its prairie and woodlands nestled along the waters of Big Stone Lake.
will be known by many more this coming year, as it is the park chosen to be featured on the annual state park permit sticker available at the start of 2024.
Fittingly, the image that will celebrate the park was captured by a passionate nature photographer who knows this park intimately. Since moving to a home in rural
just a few miles from the park in 2013, photographer John White has been visiting the park two and three times a week, camera in hand.
He had only an instant to capture the image of a variegated meadowhawk dragonfly atop the seeded head of bluestem prairie grass that is now the featured image for the new sticker.
It was taken at day’s end, and White said he was taking advantage of the ambient light found at sunset. “I was ambling through and taking pictures of other stuff when I happened to see right in front of me on a piece of big bluestem where a dragonfly had landed,” said White.
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West Central Tribune file photo
Retired from a 55-year career as a photojournalist, White said he was still “trained” as one.
“When you see something happen in front of you, you automatically react. That’s what I did for that,” he explained.
The image spoke to the very essence of the prairie, according to White. The bluestem grass and the ambient mix of purple and red coloring in the sky all said “prairie.” So did the chosen dragonfly. Variegated meadowhawks favor prairie areas and rely on clean water for their early life development.
It was one of several images he submitted to the
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
in St. Paul for consideration as the image for this year’s sticker. Terri Dinesen, manager for the
and
state parks, said she had been asked by staff in the department’s St. Paul office if she knew of anyone with photographs that could speak to the beauty of the Big Stone park.
“Who better to have photos than John,” she said was her immediate thought.
Photos he has: He has been a featured artist in the
Upper Minnesota River Valley Arts Crawl
, or Meander, since 2014 and known for his nature photographs, which he also features in his online blog,
.
, who recently turned 80, has enjoyed nature photography throughout his life. His journalism career included stints at major daily newspapers in Colorado, Wisconsin and Iowa, which allowed him to explore the beauty of wild lands from the Rocky Mountains to the Mississippi River blufflands.
Capturing images of the western Minnesota prairie — or what remains of it — has been his passion ever since 1997. Before retiring in 2012, White served for 20 years as the editor of the
in Chippewa County. As the 1997 flood raged along the Minnesota River, John Donner, a pilot and fire chief in Clara City at the time, invited White to join him for a flight over the flooded landscape.
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Contributed
White said he looked down from the plane and saw what looked like lakes all over the place. Asked what he was looking at, his host told him the flood had temporarily brought back all of the wetlands that once covered the landscape, but have been drained for agriculture.
He realized that with something like 99 percent of our wetlands drained and a like percentage of the prairie plowed, the prairie pothole landscape has become “an extinct environment.”
Now that he is retired, he has focused his attention on capturing photographs of the prairie and wetlands that remain.
It takes him to many locations, but the Big Stone Lake State Park is among his favorites. It reminds him of his other favorite state park, the
. He appreciates the beauty found in the joining of river woodlands, and river bluff and prairie lands.
He said he is honored to provide a photograph that helps make others aware of the beauty found at the Big Stone Lake State Park. “(I’m) so happy that it’s getting this recognition because it’s a neat state park,” he said.
Contributed / John White
Lack of photography coverage at women’s sporting events shows imbalance
I was scanning the sports section of the Gazette on Monday, Nov. 27, to get the results of Iowa Hawkeye women in tournament game the previous night. It was in sideline. No photo. Actually there were 13 photos in the sports section and not one of women athletes. Huge splashes for Iowa football, Iowa wrestling and high school basketball. On Saturday there were 15 photos, all male except on page 6, a high school bowler, and page 5, a high school girls’ basketball photo.
Are there no photographers at women’s events? How are we ever going to even the playing field if we rarely get the photo ops?
Ann Houlahan
Coralville
Opinion content represents the viewpoint of the author or The Gazette editorial board. You can join the conversation by submitting a letter to the editor or guest column or by suggesting a topic for an editorial to editorial@thegazette.com
Art Basel Miami Beach 2023: Spectacular Sculptures
Three-dimensional works by Kohei Nawa, Lynda Benglis, and Thomas Schütte are among the highlights of this year’s fair.
Jaina Cipriano is the Best Thing Since Gregory Crewdson
I grew up in a fundamentalist Christian cult and was kept separate from the world (both physically and emotionally),” is how photographer Jaina Cipriano starts her interview with the Phoblographer. Truly, this will help define a lot of things with her. “Looking through the viewfinder was a way to embrace that separation and make it work for me. Through human to lens connection, I was able to begin reintegrating myself in the world.” For Jaina, the camera became a powerful tool and instilled in her a sense of purpose.
All images by Jaina Cipriano. Used with permission. Please follow her work on Instagram and at her website.
“I am mapping the darkness of my psyche, illuminating new areas and eliminating fear.”
Jaina Cipriano
How Jaina Cipriano Got Into Photography
Jaina recalls shooting photographs since she was old enough to hold a camera. As a young child, she would steal her parents’ Polaroid film. Then, when she got into her 20s, she thought she would get into documentary photography. “I believed that in order to be a real photographer, I was not allowed to interact beyond the viewfinder,” she tells us. “That changed when I felt I ran out of things to photograph – I began staging parties to document, and I fell in love with the process of creating physical worlds.” That skillset transitioned into working in film and building movie sets.
Her work takes influence from Gregory Crewdson, Justine Gurland, Ryan McGinley, Dave LaChapelle, Cindy Sherman, and Nan Goldin. Each of them approaches photography differently, but they all strive for emotional intensity and fabricated spaces that thrill Jaina. “I am inspired when an image feels realer than reality – as if we’re looking through someone, into their own emotional landscape,” she tells us. “Creating art in this way connects people, reminds them they are never alone in the intensity of their emotions. That is something I needed when I was younger – and often still do.” She continues on about the idea of world-building in her photographs.
It is a way of changing my internal narrative. When things are not going the way I want them to in my real life, I can use photography as a little bit of psychomagic. It is a safe space for me to open up, be present and trust the process. It is practicing a life philosophy on a macro level, almost, a trial run if I feel too fragile to apply it to my real life.
When I am doing a self portrait, for example, I follow my instincts, often ending up messy and exhausted. But that is the transformation – I feel different than I did when I started. It does not end there though, the image must be shared. The audience is important – once I am witnessed, the transformation is solidified. It is a way towards change.
Jaina Cipriano
To shoot her photographs these days, Jaina uses a Nikon D850 and a 24-70mm lens. While she’s got a handful of prime lenses, she tells the Phoblographer that she never uses them. Jaina even adds diffusion filters and Aputure’s LED lights. “Artificial light is my love,” she tells us. “Light tells most of the story in a photo – and I enjoy being able to control it as much as possible. I want my work to feel theatrical, powerful, almost threatening.” In plain terms, Jaina finds that tough to do with natural lighting.
When we lay our eyes on her photographs, it all seems to come together. She chooses simplicity with her camera gear and instead works to get the shot through set building and all. What’s even more amazing, Jaina originally pitched us with the idea that she doesn’t use Photoshop as part of our long-standing No Photoshop series. Indeed, Jaina doesn’t use Photoshop but does minor Lightroom editing to add drama. She sometimes even builds the walls by hand. By all means, she isn’t killing it — whatever it is drops dead in front of her.
Defining Her Creative Vision
Of course, considering her background, we’re sure that it has something to do with her work. As the editor-in-chief of this website, a story that I often share is that I built Phoblographer to escape an incredibly toxic household. That was over a decade ago — but I’m still uncovering my mother’s curse in various ways. Though it isn’t on the same level as Jaina, we can all relate to the need to escape.
In Jaina’s case, she grew up in a family with a silent mental illness that was cocooned inside of a cult. These left her feeling unreal. “And the solid parts of myself that I have easy access to are painful – obsessive thoughts, global anxiety, and phobias,” she shares with us. But by creating these images, she is put into new pockets of her mind so she can get in touch with who she is without being influenced by her past.
“I am exploring the emotional toll of religious and romantic entrapment,” says Jaina about her work. The cult kept her in what she describes as a vacuum without human interaction. Because of this, she played pretend a lot. “My worlds communicate with our neglected inner child and are informed by explosive colors, elements of elevated play and the push/pull of light and dark.” She channels this energy into filmmaking — some of which have won awards. All of them tackle the idea of healing.
I am following my instincts and listening to quiet voices inside of me.
Jaina Cipriano
With a deep love for creative problem solving, this self-taught photographer sort of blends the idea of documentary and creating. “I take an immersive approach to working with models, working like a documentary photographer as her subject is let loose in a strange space designed just for them,” she shares with us. “Working with me is often described as cathartic and playful.” In this way, she blends both worlds together.
More specifically, she doesn’t step onto a shoot with a preconceived notion. Instead, she’s present — and Jaina likes to explore how these sets affect her and her models.
The photographs in this article are from a series called “Domestic Terror/Bliss. Jaina describes them as “an exploration of the lost self utilizing set design and self-portraiture.” More importantly, she describes it as a way to communicate with a part of herself that doesn’t know how to speak up. Part of that comes from her upbringing — and how she channels it is the fruit that we all delight in when we see her work, including Jaina. As Jauna evolves as a person and an artist, we’re curious to see how her work changes too.
Gozo exhibition spotlights renowned printmakers
It features work by Giovanni Battista Piranesi and Max Klinger
At Kansas City’s first Native art market, an intertribal community comes together: ‘We’re still here’
A first-of-its-kind art market and dance exhibition in Kansas City, Kansas, brought the local Indigenous community together on Saturday and helped attendees learn more about Native American culture.
More than 100 people cycled in and out of Rainbow Mennonite Church on Southwest Boulevard for the Kansas City Indian Center’s first major community gathering since COVID-19 interrupted its regular culture nights.
“If you Google ‘Native Americans,’ the pictures that are going to come up are all black-and-white photos of our ancestors,” said KCIC Executive Director Gaylene Crouser, a member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. “We’re really proud of them, but we’re still here.”
Visitors bought art from a variety of Indigenous vendors and snacked on fry bread and wojapi, a Native berry sauce. Throughout the afternoon, dancers performed seven traditional styles and attendees received flu and COVID vaccines.
“That’s the important thing that people need to see,” Crouser said, “not some stereotype of who they think we are or what’s been portrayed in media and sports, but who we actually are. Our culture is still beautiful and alive and being practiced to this very day.”
Savannah Hawley-Bates
/
KCUR 89.3
Tokeya Waci U Richardson, a member of the Oglala Lakota and Haliwa-Saponi tribes, and the youth and family programs coordinator for KCIC, arranged the dance exhibition. He specializes in the Northern traditional and grass dances, and says all Native American dance styles, which represent centuries of Indigenous culture, are healing.
“To be able to do the same style of dance that my five-times great-grandfather or great-grandmother had done — in this day and age — that’s something beautiful,” he said. “That means that the government couldn’t eradicate us like they wanted to. That means that we as a race of people are living on and continuing to practice our culture.”
Heart to Heart International, KC CARE Health Center and the National Council on Aging helped put on Saturday’s event. Crouser said each partner, including the Rainbow Mennonite Church, have been continuing allies with her group’s efforts.
In between dancing sets, Richardson sold his artwork near a large painting the church commissioned from him, called “An Acknowledgement of Life.” The painting, which depicts different styles of Native American dance and Turtle Island, an origin story common to many Indigenous people, is one result of the church’s work with KCIC to draft a land acknowledgment.
After he announced the dancers, Richardson described the history behind their styles of dance. He said it’s important to honor and respect their different meanings.
“It’s a beautiful thing to see all these different cultures, all these different people from different tribes come together and be able to showcase who we are,” Richardson said. “Representation is what we strive for.”
Savannah Hawley-Bates
/
KCUR 89.3
Mona Cliff, a member of the Gros Ventre tribe, sold cyanotype prints of beadwork at the art market. She’s been beading since she was 19, and now focuses on making traditional Indigenous art forms like seed beadwork and fabric applique “push the material in a more contemporary way.”
“It’s such a huge part of my identity and who I am,” Cliff said. “I like exploring different avenues and being able to share that with non-Native people as well, to kind of open their eyes and see that there are so many possibilities that we’re able to create with our artwork.”
Cliff, whose beadwork is included in the Kansas City airport’s collection, normally only shows her art at exhibitions, so selling prints at the market was a way for her to interact directly with her community. She said events like this are why KCIC is essential to the cultural landscape of Kansas City.
With dozens of tribes represented in the Kansas City area, Crouser said that is what the art market is all about: not lumping Indigenous cultures together, and making sure everybody has an opportunity to share.
“In an intertribal area with such a variety of tribes and cultures and traditions and ways of being, it’s really wonderful to be able to experience that and to learn about other tribes and the way that they do things and experience their Indigenous ways,” Crouser said. “We’re happy to be able to be there for people.”
De Cara Al Sol: The Power of Community and Love
De Cara Al Sol: The Power of Community and Love | Atmos
In his debut book, Peruvian photographer Diego Vourakis reflects on the joy, optimism, and close familial bonds he witnessed throughout his years-long travels in Cuba.
De Cara Al Sol. Facing the Sun.
Over the course of several trips, from February 2020 to April 2023, Peruvian photographer Diego Vourakis traveled to Cuba on a personal journey of discovery. With his camera as witness, Vourakis spent months traversing the country, and documenting the people he encountered along the way. Together, they created images of their stories and experiences, ones that emanate the pride and optimism that characterizes Cuban life.
Vourakis’ debut book, De Cara Al Sol, is a collection of images and reflections on his time on the island. Made as a five-part book, it captures the warmth and the spirit of Cuba—where love, community and family form the strongest of ties. Vourakis’ hope is that these stories, now shared with the world, will serve as a catalyst for empathy and meaningful conversations. By showcasing the beauty, resilience, and intentionality of Cuban life, he invites us all to ponder what it truly means to live with purpose and authenticity.
Published and designed by creative studio AMILE as a linen bound limited edition book, De Cara Al Sol will be launched officially in Los Angeles in December 2023.
In affiliation with The Cuba Foundation and Give2Cuba, 100% of profits from the sales of each book will be used towards the purchase of medicines, vitamins and other essentials for families and their children.
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In Focus: Rahul Jhangiani Talks on His Way to Photography and Entrepreneurship
Rahul’s work has beautifully encapsulated the essence of numerous notable personalities, making him a prominent name in the world of portrait photography. He has worked with many well-known A-list celebrities, including Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal, Virat Kohli, Hrithik Roshan, Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul, Shubhman Gill, Tara Sutaria, Ranbir Kapoor, Kiara Advani, Aditya Roy Kapur, Athiya Shetty, Janhvi Kapoor and Ananya Pandey, to mention a few, as he photographed their red carpet looks, events and awards shows, magazine covers and brand endorsements.
In this exclusive chat with News18.com, Rahul Jhangiani offers insights into his life-changing path from science student to well-known photographer. He explores the sources of inspiration that drove his change, his remarkable encounters with A-list stars, and his forays into the worlds of design, cuisine, and fitness in this interview.
Excerpts from the interview:
Can you tell us about your journey from being a science student to becoming a renowned celebrity photographer and now an entrepreneur? What inspired this transition?
Assisting Mr. Subi Samuel, who was actually my neighbour at the time, was the moment I realised that photography was not just a hobby but my true passion. The rush I felt when capturing the perfect shot, the thrill of watching a vision come to life through the lens, and the excitement of being part of such a vibrant and dynamic industry fueled my desire to pursue photography professionally.
Your portfolio boasts an impressive list of A-list celebrities you’ve worked with. Could you share a memorable experience or project that stands out to you from your work with these personalities?
Diljit Dosanjh gave me the incredible opportunity to shoot the album cover for his upcoming international release. It was an unexpected and last-minute arrangement. The entire process of shooting Diljit’s album cover was an adventure in and of itself. Despite the spontaneous nature of the shoot, we were able to secure a rundown sound equipment storage facility in Mumbai, allowing us to create a unique and visually enticing backdrop. Diljit’s willingness to experiment and push creative boundaries always brings out the best in me as a photographer.
As a celebrity and fashion photographer, how do you stay inspired and keep your work fresh?
As creators, it becomes our responsibility to ensure we satisfy this inherent craving for something different, something unexpected. For me personally, travelling has emerged as my biggest source of inspiration. Setting foot in new surroundings, unfamiliar cultures, and witnessing diverse perspectives have all significantly contributed to my creative process.
You’ve co-founded TC1, a tech-driven fitness corporation specialising in EMS training. How did you venture into the fitness industry, and what innovations does TC1 bring to the fitness market?
My friend Ishaan Verma who is a fitness enthusiast, was in talks with me for a while about a collaboration. It was his latest brainchild, TC1, that particularly impressed me.
TC1 harnesses the power of modern technology by incorporating EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) into one’s workout routine, enabling individuals like you and me to achieve the best results in minimal time. This revolutionary approach to fitness seeks to simplify workouts while maximising efficiency, allowing anyone to get in top shape conveniently.
You’re also an investor in Metaman, the first Indian men’s jewellery brand, and its affordable version, Drip Project. What motivated you to invest in this particular industry?
Men’s jewellery has long been an underrepresented segment in the Indian market, often overlooked or overshadowed by women’s accessories. However, with changing times and evolving fashion trends, there is a growing demand for unique and stylish jewellery pieces tailored specifically for men.
Having initially embarked on my journey in the fashion industry with a particular affinity for men’s fashion, it was exhilarating to come across a platform like Metaman.
Apart from this, you also own a restaurant called Los Cavos, which has become the celebrities’ favourite hangout place. Please tell us a little bit about it and what makes it stand out.
Los Cavos is a Latin American restaurant in the heart of Mumbai, Bandra. The idea here was to feel completely cut off from the city and from your surroundings, and feel like you are in Latin America with the bohemian type of interiors. To make this even more ecstatic and bring authentic experiences for the people of Mumbai, we brought in chef Rafael Estremadoyro García. The restaurant offers curative cocktails and Peruvian cuisine like Bachiche Ceviche, tuna tiradito, Ca-Vos-Nara, karaage chicken, veggie chaufa rice, churros and more.
A camera is a photographer’s best friend. What is your vision and thinking when it comes to shooting something that isn’t related to renowned personalities and fashion?
I strongly believe that it doesn’t matter whether you are shooting a renowned personality or a model. The most crucial aspect is to extract the best out of whatever subject you are working on. Every subject carries its own unique beauty and capturing it in the right way is what truly matters
How is it for a photographer behind the lens? Especially with long-hour shoots to get just the right pictures.
Time does not always play a significant role when it comes to capturing the perfect shot. Sometimes, it may take just a couple of minutes to achieve the desired result, whereas in other instances, it could take several hours. The factors that determine the duration include your comfort level with your subject and how quickly you can seize the perfect moment. So, do not worry about time constraints but rather concentrate on building a rapport with your subject and capturing those fleeting moments.
There are hardships and challenges in every field; could you tell us about a few challenges you faced in the transition period?
It is a normal process to face hurdles and make mistakes along the way. However, the key is to learn from these challenges and use them as opportunities for growth. Each mistake should serve as a stepping stone towards improving your skills and making your work stand out. Do not be discouraged by initial setbacks; instead, embrace them and strive to enhance your abilities.
Xiomaro’s New York City Street Photography Returns to Glasgow Gallery
New York, NY, December 03, 2023 –(PR.com)– The work of New York artist Xiomaro (SEE-oh-MAH-row) returns to the Glasgow Gallery of Photography with his “Ghost Walkers” image. The print is on view until December 23 as part of the “Masters of Street Photography” international exhibition.
“Ghost Walkers” depicts disembodied white and pink sneakers – even bare feet – strolling across the frame within wisps of yellow and white. Photographed in New York City’s chaotic Times Square, the otherworldly image was created solely using an iPhone 7 and without using any Photoshop, filters, or other manipulations.
Having had three of his photographs exhibited at the gallery in the past, Xiomaro decided to make his first-time visit to Glasgow to see the show in person, engage in local street photography, and to photograph the atmospheric conditions at Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park.
In America, the artist is best known for his photographic collections commissioned by the U.S. National Park Service, which the New York Times described as having an “unorthodox look” and a “focus on striking details.” His work artistically documents at-risk environments such as Florida’s Everglades, historical sites such as George Washington’s Headquarters, and cultural sites such as Julian Alden Weir’s home and art studio, which was the subject of his first book “Weir Farm National Historic Site” (Arcadia Publishing).
His museum exhibitions, talks, and workshops help raise public awareness of the history, culture, and natural beauty while his street photography artistically documents what he refers to as “future history.” The effort has garnered the attention of American network television news programs and a short film produced by the U.S. National Park Service.
“I’d like to expand and draw public attention to the rich history and beauty I have encountered in the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh, and the bucolic paths of Loch Lomond at Balloch, Arrochar, and Tarbet,” explained Xiomaro. “I’ve had a long interest in Scotland. Growing up, my parents were close friends with a Scottish family from whom I heard so much about the country. And through my work with the U.S. National Park Service, I learned about John Muir, an influential naturalist, Robert Weir, the patriarch of an artistic family dynasty, as well as John Witherspoon and James Wilson, signers of the Declaration of Independence – all of them are Scottish-born.”
Before overcoming cancer and pursuing photography, Xiomaro was an entertainment attorney and managed celebrity recording artists such as Village People and Lisa Lisa. As a musician, one of his songs reached the Top 40 of American Idol Underground. His second book will feature his New York City street photography and is expected to be released next year by a London-based publisher. In the meantime, he is already making plans to return to Scotland to continue building a collection of street and national park photographs for international exhibition.
“Masters of Street Photography” is free of charge to the public and is on view now until December 23, 2023. The exhibition is presented by the Glasgow Gallery of Photography located at 57 Glassford Street, Glasgow. For visiting hours, visit www.glasgowgalleryofphotography.com. For information about Xiomaro, visit www.xiomaro.com.
