The F Stops Here

James & Clapper, '06

I was recently introduced to the work of Shelby Lee Adams by a friend. His resumé, published and exhibited works are as extensive as his images are beautiful. Not beautiful in the conventional sense, but beautiful in the response that his images evoke. Shelby captures an America not seen by most. It’s been a while since I’ve been so struck by an image, that it really is such a pleasure for me to share with you his eerily beautiful work.

You can currently catch his “Appalachian Portraits” at the Fahey/Klein Gallery in Los Angeles.

Carrie Leeann '03

◄ Back

Next ►

Picture 1 of 28

We must awaken to see each other’s mutual humanity, in all cultures, every community and all individuals. Violence and stigmatization will continue until mutual respect and kindness are firmly embraced. We are not multiple peoples, but one, divided.

My photographs are intimate portraits made with feelings shared together from the inside, with friends, subjects and myself. Masks dissolve when relationships evolve. There is no coaxing or manipulation for effect, instead just open honesty, relating together as valued human beings, with acceptance and without judgments. Our history of association with words like “marginalize” and “poverty” limit and mislead the viewer’s perceptions. People suffer from this. I photograph strong willed creative individuals, loving families, motivated children and some dysfunctional lives, like the world over. Look deeper and you will find our mutual quest. We need kinder, more all-encompassing language that embraces and contributes more meaningfully and realistically.

When people are treated with the utmost respect, they learn to feel worthy of reverence; they realize that they have absolute value. I have learned that in order to establish myself, I must help others to establish themselves. Bridging difference requires some emptying of self-importance from all concerned.

The ancient “Golden Rule” has global interpretations from differing peoples, religions and continents saying throughout time: do not do to others what you would not have done to you, this is necessary selfless wisdom. Compassion, kindness and generosity are the virtues it will take to turn this broken world around. How we look and gaze upon each other at the onset of every single day is an important exercise and discipline, with many still only seeing themselves. My picture’s intentions are in part to mirror my cultures unique environments and diversity, as well as to reflect the people’s positive values still practiced, abandoned by some and devalued by many from more “progressive” societies. My people in spite of having less, they have not lost themselves.

Within the art gallery environment, all sides are equals in the same ceremony, observing and communing. Where else and how else, can this happen? The walls dividing us must dissolve. The art gallery represents a platform that provides a purposeful place for our mutual self-study and coexistence. Our sensitivity to cultural and humanistic diversity within the body, mind and spirit of all peoples must be expanded and respected. My life and work have been dedicated to this pursuit.

Seeing and participating in our shared humanity, understanding differences, interconnecting, transforming and transcending – all of these inspire change and encourage acceptance. This is the healing and redemptive power of art. Opening our visual perceptions can help unify people and the flow of authentic language can defeat stigmatization. But many still resist… the “all” of our humanity and have lost their heart. Fewer opportunities exist today for this important human exchange, giving way to more commerce and artifice.

My friends from the hollers remind me that they are not under privileged, nor poor. In fact they are rich and equal to all. That stability can only be achieved and maintained by all recognizing mutual equality. They are largely untouched by material artifice. Respecting and having pride in every aspect of their lives, not rejecting anyone, yet divided too in how they view themselves, honoring family, learning to love regardless of what they get in return, living life free of compromise if only for the moment, they remind me that God has made them spiritually honorable even though society deems them poor. They are indeed among the “princes” regardless of what the world might see.

The Lord maketh poor, and maketh rich: He bringeth low, and lifteth up. He raiseth up the poor out of the dust… to set them among princes and inherit a seat of honor.

1 Samuel 2. 7-8, King James Bible

Shelby Lee Adams
May 2009

All images copyright Shelby Lee Adams

© 2009, The F Stops Here. All rights reserved. (Jessica D. Korman)