Takeaways From Expression Through Tradition: An Exhibition of Photographs by the Monalog Collective, Stirner Modern Gallery, Easton, PA

The picture of the older guy with a little more gray hair then he would like is me. The two smaller people next to me are my wonderful grandchildren who came with their parents to see the Monalog show at the Stirner Modern Gallery on Friday night.  I started worrying about things as the week began and the remnants of Hurricane Ida began moving towards southeast Pennsylvania. There was a reasonable possibility our opening might not take place given the worsening of the virus, scheduling on the front side of the Labor Day holiday and the potential for a weather washout!

As the rain continued to relentlessly fall on Wednesday and several tornados passed within a few miles of my house, I hunkered down with my wife and dog in the basement. Not a good sign. On Thursday the Delaware River crested and by Friday several stretches of PA Route 611 weren’t passable.  Bad news because the river passes through Easton and 611 is the principal route from where I live to Easton. Same for others that might want to drive to Easton to see the show.

After being rerouted several times due to road detours, my wife and I finally arrived at the gallery.  While I had no clue where I was going, I discovered some interesting spots I will be coming back to and photograph.

So what about the show?  The Stirner Modern Gallery is a beautiful venue, spacious with very high ceilings. Perfect for a photographic exhibit!  Three photographs from each of Monalog’s twelve photographer members and some wonderful 19th century daguerreotypes from the personal collection of our photo historian.  Silver gelatin, platinum, albumen, tintype, carbon transfer and the daguerreotypes. Enlargements and contact prints on various substrates all in one place … and all great work!

As founder and president of Monalog, I will admit to being a little biased, but I don’t care … it was a joy to look at and be part of!  Just as nice was to see all the people I didn’t know that continued to stream in to admire the work. The night was the culmination of nearly two years of building a great photographic collective, whose mission is to promote black and white analog photography and foster the growth of our community.

Thinking back to when I first kicked around the idea for Monalog in my head and wondered why I would be crazy enough to take on what has become a part time job; I now know it was all worth it. I couldn’t be happier and more proud. Monalog is thriving and I have made what I know will be lifetime friendships with some really terrific people. What more could I ask for?

It’s always gratifying to see your work exhibited, but in this case there was more … much more.

Monalog is still looking to grow. We welcome a limited number of like-minded photographers that wish to join our collective.  Applications for artist membership are reviewed twice each year. To learn more about Monalog visit https://monalogcollective.com

Stay well,

Michael

4 thoughts on “Takeaways From Expression Through Tradition: An Exhibition of Photographs by the Monalog Collective, Stirner Modern Gallery, Easton, PA

    1. Michael Marks Post author

      Thanks Dan! It was great to meet you and I look forward to seeing you this week at the show!

      Best,

      Michael

      Reply
  1. Dave Thomas

    Great show Michael!

    Given the weather ahead of it I wasn’t brave enough to attempt the opening, but My Faire Spouse and I visited yesterday afternoon and finished up with dinner outside on the square. The breadth of traditional techniques was fabulous, haven’t seen too many Daguerreotypes in local art shows. I was particularly impressed with a couple of platinum/palladium portraits and some carbon prints.

    Noted some red dots on a couple of pieces too — never a bad thing!

    (We were more impressed with that downtown part of Easton than we expected to be also.)

    Keep up the good work,
    Dave

    Reply
    1. Michael Marks Post author

      Dave,

      Great to hear from you! Glad you were able to make it to the show and enjoyed it. It’s been a long time due to the damn virus … we need to catch up!

      Best,

      Michael

      Reply

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