Photo Exhibitions at Colorado State University Span 20th Century Soviet Union to Contemporary Russia

Note to Editors: Images are available electronically by calling June Greist at (970) 491-1194.

Colorado State University’s Hatton Gallery will showcase  Russian photography with two spring exhibitions-the first from an official photographer to the Kremlin and the second from one of the best known photographers working in contemporary Russia. The gallery’s semester-long focus on photography will culminate with a public lecture by internationally known photo critic A.D. Coleman.

The first show, "Dmitri Baltermants: Images of the Soviet Union," will run Jan. 26-March 5 with an opening reception from 7-9 p.m. Jan. 26. Baltermants was a preeminent Soviet photographer whose career spanned five decades. From World War II through the Brezhnev era, Baltermants captured scenes of life in the Soviet Union with a sure eye and sharp insight. As an official photographer to the Kremlin and the photoeditor of the popular news magazine "Ogonyok," Baltermants visually documented the 20th century history of the Soviet Union, recording all levels of society-from the working class to the highest political leaders. The Baltermants exhibition is made possible, in part, through the generous support of Paul and Teresa Harbaugh.

The Baltermants show will be followed by "Igor Moukhin: Visions of Contemporary Russia," an exhibition that will run March 22-April 30. The opening reception will be at noon March 22 and a public lecture by the artist will take place at 7 p.m. March 23 in the Lory Student Center Theatre on campus. Moukhin is a contemporary Russian photographer whose works have received great acclaim in Russia, Europe and the United States. His pictures of Soviet monuments after the fall of the USSR, Russian youth and the city of Moscow at night provide fascinating glimpses into the legacy of Communism and a society in flux. Born in 1961, Moukhin began his career in the mid 1980’s, an epoch that was marked by the emergence of underground art in the USSR. In the 1990’s, post-perestroika, the artist’s work has focused upon the hardships Russians face, brought on by vestiges of the old Soviet economy and mentality. Moukhin will come to campus as part of the Critic and Artist Residency Series. The Moukhin exhibit is made possible, in part, by the FUNd at Colorado State University and by Paul and Teresa Harbaugh.

On April 14, Coleman will speak at 7 p.m. in the Lory Student Center Theatre. Coleman is an internationally known writer on photography, visual culture and new digital media. Since 1967 he has published numerous articles in the "Village Voice," the "New York Times," "ARTnews," "Photo Metro," European Photography" and "Art in America." He is the author of several books on photography including "Tarnished Silver: After the Photo Boom;" "The Digital Evolution: Photography in the Electronic Age;" and "Depth of Field: Essays on Photography, Mass Media and Lens Culture." The recipient of many honors, Coleman’s 1995 book, "Critical Focus: Photography in the International Image Community," was awarded the Infinity Award for Writing on Photography from the International Center of Photography. Coleman’s visit is part of the Critic and Artist Residency Series and is made possible by the FUNd at Colorado State University.

Other events at Colorado State University highlighting Russia will include a talk by Alison Smith, assistant professor of history, at noon Feb. 4 in the Hatton Gallery, and a showing of the historical drama "East/West" at 7 p.m. Feb. 12 in the Lory Student Center Theatre. The film is presented by ASAP/CinemaCSU.

All events are free and open to the public. The Hatton Gallery is located in the Visual Arts Building on the Colorado State campus. Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1-4 p.m. Saturday. Visitor parking is available at the Z parking lot located on Meridian Avenue and Pitkin Street. Parking for evening events is free.

For more information, call (970) 491-1989.

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