The new Tomiko Jones exhibit in Fort Collins strives to create a meditative experience through a minimalist atmosphere and reflective music.
The Center for Fine Art Photography in Fort Collins is showcasing photographer Tomiko Jones’ work in an exhibition called “Tomiko Jones – Rattlesnake Lake” until Feb. 28.
The culturally specific exhibit features eight photos that blend people, including Jones, and Rattlesnake Lake, which is located in Cedar River Watershed in Washington.
Jones is an artist based out of Denver, and is listed as one of “10 Artists in Colorado You Should Know” by online art magazine AdobeAirstream.
“This idea behind (the exhibit) is of the land being compromised and yet its ability to renew itself,” said Hamidah Glasgow the executive director at The Center for Fine Art Photography. “The images are very meditative in the way that the figures are in the landscape.”
Glasgow also discussed how Jones’ work showcases her ties to the environment, especially since Rattlesnake Lake has undergone harsh environmental damage.
“The image and video components are about her deep connection with the land,” Glasgow said. “She is very environmentally conscious and active.”
“Her capture style is really interesting; she used a 4×5 negative format camera,” said Sunshine Divis, programs manager at The Center for Fine Art Photography Divis. “The strip of focus in her images makes them appear both slightly blurred while also being clear … Tomiko is a very strong emerging artist; she has a very unique print style.”
Jones said in her artist statement that she was inspired by public landscapes, open land and her childhood.
“Watching the American landscape pass by out of the panoramic window of the camper shell had a profound effect on me over the years,” Jones said. “The overarching element throughout my work is a relationship to a place, a loose mapping of a landscape and interiors that echo the internal terrain of thought.”
The exhibit features two parts – one is a video component with sound, and the other are photos displayed in the gallery.
“I think it’s an interesting experience, especially with the video component,” said Lauren Hegge, an adjunct photography professor who started teaching at CSU a year ago. “You see this looping projection and you’re immersed in the sound, and then you emerge into the gallery.”
Hegge also has some of her own work displayed in the portrait show, another current exhibit at the center.
The Center for Fine Art Photography changes their solo exhibits in the smaller galleries every seven weeks, and change the main gallery every five weeks, all while welcoming the Fort Collins community and CSU.
The center has been displaying artwork for over 10 years. The center was built in 2004 and is free to the public, with donations requested.
Jones will be at the center Feb. 6 for a free artist talk at 5 p.m., with a reception to follow that will be sponsored by Odell Brewing Company.
Collegian Reporter Clarissa Davies can be reached at news@collegian.com or on Twitter @DaviesClarissa.
