Graduating seniors Kelly Thomas and Madison Martin are currently showing their work in an exhibition at the Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology. The exhibitions will be on display through April 16th, 2021.
Martin’s exhibition, titled Personality Hues, is a series of portraits utilizing color to represent individual’s personalities. “I selected my subjects based on their importance in my life,” said Martin. “The color selected for each person is representative of how I see their personality and different traits about them.”
“I arrived at my decisions after researching meanings of colors and making personal interpretations,” continued Martin. “In order to incorporate the color into the photos I decided to use smoke bombs to create a more dynamic and conceptual approach. It’s also a visual way to show that no matter how similar we may seem; everyone is special and unique in their own way.”
Learn more about Martin’s work by visiting vmcbfa.space/martin.
Thomas’ exhibition, titled Hidden Identity, comments on identity and allows viewers to look within themselves and relate to the images on the wall. “Essentially, the models are stand-ins for the imagery, but the project isn’t about them specifically, more so they act as examples (a family man, a young woman, a friend, etc.),” said Thomas. “A traditional or candid full-color portrait of each of them is juxtaposed next to a black and white portrait that is blurred due to a slow shutter speed.”
“This is meant to distort their face and refer to their mentality and state of mind,” she continued. “People can seem happy and healthy, but they have a hidden identity behind the scenes that holds an entirely different story. Mental illness, as well as everyday troubles, affects everyone in various ways whether it is noticeable to other people or not. The intention here is to have viewers look at these images and see part of themselves in this concept of hidden identity. Whether they relate to it or not, the occurrence of a sort of inner reflection, or at the very least some reflection on how they view others in their own lives is the goal. This show is not about myself, rather something very important to me and a topic I think deserves to be discussed. Portraying mentality and identity is a topic that intrigues me and that I can connect with; I wanted to pull from a more personal place rather than a definition of any mental disorders, as it creates a sense that is more real and emotionally raw.”
Learn more about Thomas’ work by visiting kellythomasphoto.com.
The Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology is located at 1221 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14209. Gallery hours are 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM Monday through Friday. Upon arrival, visitors should call the Gallery’s front desk at 716-259-1680.
For more information about Villa Maria’s photography program visit www.villa.edu/academics/academic-programs/photography.
