SCAD photography seniors group exhibition
Written by Ally Abruscato. Photo courtesy of Ally Abruscato.
From April 8 to 11, Professor Rebecca Nolan and her LFII class presented their work in the Cedar House Gallery. The experimental large-format photography exhibition included pieces from 12 students in Nolan’s class.
The exhibit called “Black and Blue” displayed photographs from Madelyn Conolin-Day, Alex Cummings, Sarah Haske, Julian Lopez-Castillo, Tate Martinson, Ashley McElroy, Lindsay Schmidt, Hannah Siner, Kele Storhm, Bill Taylor, Jacob Wachal and Mike Xitco.
This talented group of seniors created meaningful work in a complex format. Senior photography major Madelyn Conolin-Day was up for the challenge, even though “shooting 8 by 10 is more tedious in comparison to 4 by 5.” Still, these photographers chose to take this class despite the anticipated stress. In the end, they produced terrific pieces that range from pinholes to cyanotypes. But – no matter the method – it wasn’t easy.
Conolin-Day decided to create portraits of her friends with a unique twist. At the gallery, she exhibited 8 by 10 inch portraits as 30 by 36 inch cyanotypes.
“After developing, I scanned the film then created digital negatives the size of the paper,” she said. Then, she hand-coated the paper with a roller and brushes using cyanotype solution. This process results in the blue brush-like quality that is unique to cyanotypes.
If you’re interested in taking Professor Nolan’s class, you’ll work with different techniques that can take your photos to the next level. It’s fun, but the class can also be a bit of a hassle at times.
“It is important to set the 8 by 10 up where you want it the first time, because it’s a pain to move it around,” said Conolin-Day. But having her work displayed at the gallery proved that the hard work was worth it.
Each student’s work was unique in style, technique and aesthetics – and complex in its own way. Congratulations to Professor Nolan and all of her students who were a part of the exhibit!
As Editor-in-Chief, Ally Abruscato leads and supports a talented group of staff and contributors in pursuing their creative endeavors. At SCAD, Ally majors in Photography and minors in Advertising & Branding. She regularly offers pop culture insights through movie reviews, articles and her weekly column, “I’m Booked.” When she’s not writing or taking photos, Ally’s probably outside, reading or running.
