Gallery to Display Photographs by Nick Johnson

Published 03.10.2009

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'Untitled %2315,' 2003, selenium toned gelatin silver print, 23.5 inches by 19.5 inches.The Gallery at Penn College, on the third floor of Pennsylvania College of Technology's Madigan Library, will host "Transcendence," a collection of photographs by Nick Johnson, from March 17-April 9.

Working exclusively with a large-format camera, Johnson's photographs portray manipulated rock and flagstones that resemble abstract landscapes. The flagstones are often cut into shape, chiseled and sanded, and all of the stones are painted to remove color variations.

"The idea to build my subjects grew out of a difficulty in finding things to photograph that looked and felt like what I could see in my mind," Johnson said.

His technical mastery is apparent as he captures the images on film with minimal lighting, in order to preserve a feeling of natural light. Johnson believes that photography ultimately must work at a visual level that transcends the subject matter. In creating images, he is motivated by a belief that there are new levels of dimensions and harmonies to be found within the formal visual language.

Johnson has been a fine-art photographer for more than 30 years. He teaches photography at the New England School of Photography and is the director of the school's Center for Photographic Exhibitions. To learn more about his work, visit online.

An opening reception for the exhibit will take place in the gallery from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 26. Johnson will offer an artist's lecture at 4 p.m. in the Presentation Room of the Student and Administrative Services Center, followed by a 5:30 p.m. talk in the gallery.

Gallery hours are Saturday and Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, 2 to 8 p.m.; and Wednesday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. All exhibits are free and open to the public.

"Transcendence" is part of the college's Current View Artist Series, which showcases contemporary artists working in a variety of media. Sponsored by the college's media arts department, it provides an opportunity to broaden and enrich the educational experience at Penn College.

For more about this exhibit and The Gallery at Penn College, visit on the Web, e-mail or call (570) 320-2445.

For general information about the college, visit online , e-mail or call toll-free (800) 367-9222.