This Friday, March 1, Reynolda House Museum of American Art opens its spring exhibition, “Seen and Unseen: Photographs by Imogen Cunningham” in the Mary and Charlie Babcock Wing Gallery. On view through June 2, 2024, the exhibition showcases the works of Imogen Cunningham, one of the most experimental photographers of the 20th century. Museum-goers will discover some of her most unusual and rare images presented alongside iconic ones, revealing why this American artist is one of the most important pioneers of photography.
Embracing the times in which she lived, Cunningham (1883-1976) created images that reflect crucial movements and developments in art and photography during her 70-year career. Her photographs, seductive and dynamic, are inspired by a multitude of genres, including portraiture, family photographs, still lifes and street photography.
Throughout the exhibition season, Reynolda House and Gardens hosts a variety of events related to the photography theme. You can find these event details and more at reynolda.org/cunningham.
Imogen Cunningham (1883–1976) “Three Dancers, Mills College,” 1930, silver gelatin print.
March 6: Drinks @ Dusk | $25
Explore the Seen & Unseen after hours while mixing and mingling in a historic setting. Participate in a scavenger hunt for a chance at winning a prize, vibe out to DJ-spun tunes, and sip on a specialty cocktail, beer, or wine.
March 24: Reynolda on the House | Free Admission
All are welcome to visit Reynolda “on the house” and enjoy a self-guided tour of this historic house, feature exhibition, and dance along to the live music provided local swing band, Swingset.
March 27: Gallery Talk – Group f/64 | $10
Join Benita VanWinkle, High Point University associate professor of visual arts, in this gallery talk that introduces Group f/64, a collective of American west coast photographers that decided it was time for a change away from the pictorialist soft focus, or hand-manipulated movement of photography. Among the leaders of this movement were Imogen Cunningham, Edward Weston, Ansel Adams, and Willard Van Dyke.
April 6: Smartphone Photography Class with Elizabeth Larson | $60
Meet in Reynolda Gardens under the blossoming Cherry Trees and prepare to learn skills to better understand proper lighting, composition, exposure, and selecting go-to photo apps to enhance your photographs. All levels and devices are welcome. Rain date is April 13.
April 25: Imogen Cunningham The Light Within | $15
In an era dominated by male photographers, Cunningham stood out as one of the few women who played a pivotal role in shaping early modernist photography in America. Despite her significant contributions, her stature has sometimes been overshadowed by her male peers. Guest speaker, Paul Martineau, curator of photographs at the J. Paul Getty Museum, aims to shed light on her rightful place in the annals of twentieth-Century photographic history.
May 25: Portrait of Imogen (Film) | $10
Meg Partridge, granddaughter of Cunningham and Director of the Imogen Cunningham Trust, worked alongside the photographer during her teenage years. Partridge directed and produced the Academy Award-nominated short documentary, Portrait of Imogen. A Q&A with Partridge will take place following the film.
