This collection of photographs, by David DeMelim, presents a look at coastal Rhode Island, as the kick off for our Project 401, a larger initiative to explore and document all of  Rhode Island.  Project 401 is our effort to crowd source a look at Rhode Island from the perspective of our Members and Potential Members. Presented as part of our commitment to supporting photography and the photographic efforts of our Members, we will be producing a book and exhibition series to showcase your photographs of the uniquely Rhode Island people, places and things.   Show us your favorite, funniest, or the most curious things you’ve found in Rhode Island. 

We are launching this ongoing initiative as a challenge to Discover, or re-Discover Rhode Island.

Selections from South County:

              Photography by, David DeMelim

On the Walls at the McGrath Judicial Complex are a selection of straight out of camera photographs, paired with Built Panoramas, that collectively seek to capture the flavor, energy  and scenic beauty of Rhode Island, more specifically, South County. 

 

Artist Statement:  

It is strange, and maybe even a little mysterious…  that a camera has an oft unspoken ability to function as a time machine. A photograph can have the unique ability to transport the viewer to another place, another time, or trigger a memory. The ability of a photograph, to fix a memory, or to communicate a feeling, has always fascinated me… This exhibition pairs two different approaches to photography, one scenes captured straight out of camera, the other images constructed out of multiple moments in time, not to capture a decisive moment, but to record an experience, or fix a memory.  Underlining much of my work is a curiosity about how we process visual information and record memories.

 

– David DeMelim

 

 

About David:

 

David is a South County based photographer actively pursuing parallel explorations in printmaking and photography. As Managing Director of the Rhode Island Center for Photographic Arts, he works to support the efforts of area photographers, organizing National and international exhibitions to challenge the local community with work and ideas they would not be able to access otherwise. Scheduling and exhibition programing often eclipses personal studio time, but exploration of the intersection of art and technology continues.

As a printmaker and photographer, early involvement with technology has influenced both my artistic passions and professional path. While career provided access to the latest in imaging technologies, my passion has always been in exploring new ways to capture, create, and present photographic images. Capturing the world that passes in front of my lens, is the goal, developing new ways to capture and create a visual narrative is my passion. There are no Kodak moments, but rather a syncopated succession of moments that I combine to recall, record or share an event. Occasionally the carefully crafted single image, speaks louder and more clearly then a whole series of images. The challenge lies in recognizing which approach speaks more clearly…

– David DeMelim

Life at the Wall: Narragansett Seawall

A selection of Built Panoramas reflecting on the ever changing life along the Seawall in Narragansett.

Discover: Rhode Island, Selections from South County

On View: March 30– August 27, 2026

McGrath Judicial Complex: 4800 Tower Hill Rd, Wakefield, RI

The prints on display are available for purchase, as displayed, as prints on aluminum, or as conventional framed prints on paper.
Alternate sizes are available by request.

The RI Center for Photographic Arts, RICPA 118 N. Main St. Providence, RI 02903
Located in the heart of Providence, RICPA was founded to inspire creative development and provide opportunities to engage with the community through exhibitions, education, publication, and mutual support.

RICPA exists to create a diverse and supportive community for individuals interested in learning or working in the Photographic Arts. We strive to provide an environment conducive to the free exchange of ideas in an open and cooperative space. Members should share a passion for creating, appreciating, or learning about all forms of photo-based media. We work to provide a platform for artistic expression, that fosters dialogue and drives innovation in the photographic arts.

The Gallery at the Rhode Island Center for Photographic Arts is a member of Gallery Night Providence https://www.gallerynight.org

Want to become a RICPA Member? Membership brings many benefits and discounts, for more information and to find the membership level that fits you, visit our website at https://www.riphotocenter.org/membership-info You may become a member at entry, member benefits begin immediately and run 365 days from your start date.

Questions: Contact gallery@riphotocenter.org  To learn about other RICPA exhibits and programs, visit https://www.riphotocenter.org.