One wing is normally reserved for professional artists but Popov’s work is so good it deserves the space, said Rogers Center Director Rev. Richard Piatt, OSA.
Piatt and Director of Media Instructional Services Kevin Salemme reviewed Popov’s photographs and helped pick those chosen for the show. Each of the 11 photographs tells a story that Popov wanted to share, Piatt said.
“Kevin and I made the decision that his work is strong enough to warrant a solo show,” Piatt said.
Nine of the framed and matted photographs are black-and-white. The black and white emotes more range of expression for the subject, said Popov, an art history major from Moscow.
“I see it a lot differently in black-and white than when I shoot in color,” he said. “It allows me to focus on the essentials.”
All but two of the photographs use his friends as subject caught by happenstance rather than posed using a Canon EOS 5D Mark III using Fuji film. One striking photograph was taken with a hip shot of a stranger looking at Popov through a mirror in a compact.
“I do a lot of street photography,” he said. “I don’t stage my shots.”
The gallery showing for the Art Warriors provides a valuable learning experience.
The art on display is technical and hard to master and with feedback from a public showing it will improve, Piatt said.
“One of the things I like about it is the visual artists are finally getting exposure,” Piatt said. “We have visual artists here who’s work needs to be seen because it’s an art form that deserves respect.”
Morgan Sewall ’19, of Scarboro, Maine, is a double major in marketing and graphic design, with photographs on the wall, including one named “Wind Chill,” portraying the human experience by capturing the wind blowing through her subject’s hair while she laughs with her back to the camera.
“We have a lot of talented people in the art club and it’s nice to be noticed,” Sewall said.
