News
Don Beatty photography at New Canaan Historical Society
By Press Release
Apr 26, 2008 - 7:42:31 AM

Don Beatty describes his photographs as “observations of the significant mundane”... close-ups of both natural and man made forms and objects. While some images are representational, in others the camera captures abstract patterns which become the dominate image. Beatty invites the viewer to experience split second altered perceptions which may trigger a unique interpretation of the work. Pursuing his study of form and color, he creates abstract images which focus on the striking minutiae within the obscure vastness, evoking a sense of landscape within a small object or composition.

The metaphor of landscape, the contrast between the vast and the minute, the whimsy amidst the decay, all come naturally to this artist born and steeped in Big Sky country –
a third generation native of Bozeman, Montana. Evolving from these Big Sky aesthetic roots are enduring influences from his sojourns through Arizona, California, Mexico, New York City and his current home in Connecticut. The work of Man Ray and Marcel Duchamp are also sources of inspiration for Beatty who now lives in Stamford.

His exhibition will include important early works shot in the Baja peninsula in the early 1970’s - beautifully illuminated details in distinctive physical environments - as well as recent work with digital mediums which extend his unique style of abstract expressionism. Included are photo collages and composites of two or more images. In addition, Mr. Beatty will exhibit his important collection of Mexican silver jewelry from the 1970’s.

Don Beatty’s work has been exhibited in museums and galleries from coast to coast, including the International Center of Photography in NYC. With several grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities and National Endowment for the Arts, Beatty has also worked as photographer and director on many published projects documenting the New Deal Art of the 1930’s. Accomplished as both curator and conservator, since 1995 he has served on the New Canaan committee to locate, restore, reframe and rehang Public Works of Art from this period. Over the past two decades he has been curator of photography for the gallery and museum at the University of Santa Clara, CA, and until recently was the conservator of Emmy Lou Packard’s photo collection of Diego Rivera and his wife, Frida Kahlo.

While he still returns frequently to Bozeman, Montana, today Beatty works mostly in his Stamford studio – a 2100 square foot space on Fairfield Avenue in which he has built a darkroom, library, and workshop. When not working on his photography, he also enjoys creating sculpture which incorporates his images on metal.

The New Canaan Historical Society, 13 Oenoke Ridge, is open Tuesday through Sunday: 9:30 a.m.– 4:30 p.m. On Saturdays, the gallery is closed between 12:30 and 2 p.m. For further information, call (203) 966-1776 or visit www.nchistory.org

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