As most Arizonan’s know, this past Tuesday February 14, 2012 marked the Grand Canyon State’s 100th birthday.   There are many events going on around the state to celebrate the centennial, among them is a photography show at the MonOrchid Gallery in downtown Phoenix.  “The Forty-Eighth: Contemporary Photography at Arizona’s Centennial,” with co-curator William LeGoullon, sets out to highlight the work of eleven photographers, but uniquely does not include any of your typical Grand Canyon landscapes as one would assume.   Instead, LeGoullon’s purpose was to create a show that captures various points-of-view of the state’s changing landscapes, all the while, helping to promote some lesser-known photographers in the community.  LoGoullon states, “All the artists show a different side of Arizona through a similar aesthetic, but very different perspectives.”

This seems like an intriguing show that is worth a look.  It would be interesting to see Arizona’s changing landscapes in regards to its ever-growing urban societies.  In that respect, the exhibition will not only be about Arizona and its past as it celebrates its centennial, but also about the current living and growing view of the state today.  It almost sounds like the exhibition will be more like a documentation of the history of the state mixed with the present.  And somewhere in between you may discover and see things in everyday life that you may never have noticed before.

The exhibition is currently on display in the MonOrchid Gallery located at 214 E. Roosevelt St.  The first showing was this past Tuesday, but there will be another reception tonight, Friday February 17, at 7:00 p.m.  I strongly encourage you to attend if Arizona landscapes, culture, and history are of interest to you, as well as fine art photography.   If you are unable to attend tonight, the exhibition will be open until March 23.

See Downtown Devil article for more information.