Past Exhibition

Holly Andres: The Homecoming

June 1 – August 4, 2013

Melvin Henderson-Rubio Gallery

Holly Andres is a Portland photographer who creates stunningly beautiful and evocative color photographs that deal with personal narrative and feminist subjectivity. Her imagery, says Andres “…relies on the tension between an apparently approachable subject matter and a dark, sometimes disturbing subtext.” A major exhibition of her work will open on June 1 and continue through August 4, 2013, in the Melvin Henderson-Rubio Gallery.

Born and raised in Missoula, Montana, Andres received her BFA from the University of Montana in 2002 and her MFA degree from Portland State University in 2004. In addition, she attended the Art Institute of Seattle from 1996-98. Originally trained as a painter, she found her true métier in photography and film. Organized by Director John Olbrantz, the exhibition will feature 43 works created over the past six years, including a large photographic installation and several works that reveal a new direction for the artist.

The exhibition will showcase a number of familiar series. Stories from a Short Street (2005-06), for example, is a suite of eight photographs inspired by Andres’ experience growing up in rural Montana. Sparrow Lane (2008) presents an elliptical narrative of young women on the verge of adulthood. Anna’s Birthday Party (2009-10) depicts a young girl’s birthday party gone awry. Finally, The Fall of Spring Hill (2011) ponders the complexity of childhood, the fleeting nature of memory, and female introspection.

Artist Lecture
Andres will discuss her work from the past six years in an illustrated lecture scheduled for Friday, May 31, 2013, beginning at 5 pm in the Roger Hull Lecture Hall on the second floor of our building. A preview reception will follow from 6-8 pm in the lobby and Melvin Henderson Rubio Gallery downstairs. Admission to Andres’ lecture is free.