2024 Hats Off

Taylor Vieger, *Marigold Ranger (2023)*, Generative AI Photography, 40 x 30 in.

Capturing the artistic achievements of 25 exceptionally talented artists, "Hats Off'' unveils a captivating fusion of innovation and expression. As we prepare to open the doors, this highly anticipated exhibition immerses visitors in a world where both experience and vulnerability is celebrated as catalysts for photographic achievements while pushing the boundaries of traditional photography practices.

Photography, in its essence, is about revealing the soul of a subject and the artist. “Hats Off' embodies this truth, with each artist revealing the depths of their creativity and courage to explore new landscapes, applications, portraiture, abstracts, techniques and technologies within their medium. This exhibition dares to challenge the conventional, shedding light on how, at times, the most exceptional photographs emerge when artists let go of tradition and venture into uncharted territories.

We are thrilled to highlight four of our featured artists whose remarkable work embodies the spirit of "Hats Off":

Alberto Magrin (Italian, b. 1970): Alberto Magrin's architectural background provides a unique perspective that is beautifully portrayed in his featured photo, 'Floatin.' This ethereal composition captures three figures seated together by the seaside, their backs to the lens, enveloped in tonal blues from the sky and sea.
Rachel Helden (American, b. 1984): Rachel Helden's artistic journey, including an MFA from the School of Visual Arts and a Landis Artist-in-Residence at Yellowstone National Park, has brought her to the forefront of innovative photography. Her featured work, 'Prototype 1,' masterfully combines medium format film and luster paper, creating a captivating an almost "fish-eye" perspective of the original photographed landscape.
Tuan Bui (Australian, b. 1983): Tuan H. Bui's photographic exploration delves into the unseen, and his multicultural perspective brings a cosmopolitan sensibility to his art. His work has graced museums and galleries across the United States, as well as publications like Esquire, People, and Forbes. His featured photo, "Nowhere to go," is an archival inkjet print on lustre photo paper, showcasing a staged color photo of a woman sunken into a green sofa, revealing only hair and heels.
Taylor Vieger (American, b. 1980): Taylor Vieger's work explores the intersection of supernatural Christianity, art, and science fiction. In "Hats Off," Vieger employs AI generative tools to create conceptual portraits that initiate profound spiritual conversations. His featured photos, "Marigold Ranger" and "Thrumming," utilize digital photography with AI enhancements. Each piece is accompanied by a one-of-a-kind letter, sharing a unique supernatural story, directly engaging the collector in a thought-provoking experience.