Fading Glimpses of the Midwest
Robin W. Bailey
Robin’s solo exhibition features an expanded look at his ongoing fascination with, and attempt to document the unique character of the American Midwest. Robin’s work first came to our attention as entries in our juried Black & White Call for Entry and has been featured in a number of subsequent calls and Member Exhibitions. I am excited to have the opportunity to present this expanded collection of Robin’s ongoing project as he works toward making the collected works available in book form. To help fund the publication of the book, prints purchased during the first week of the exhibition will be available at $100 discount. I hope you have the opportunity to see these remarkable prints in person and enjoy this look at Middle America before it fades away or is replaced in the wave of homogenization sweeping the country.
– David DeMelim,
Managing Director,
RI Center for Photographic Arts
Fading Glimpses of the Midwest: a solo exhibition by Robin W. Bailey
This exhibition is presented in tandem with Snapshot America: a Portrait of the United States
Gallery Night Providence Reception: October 17th, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Exhibition: Thursday, October 17th thru Friday, November 15th
Artist Statement: Fading Glimpses of the Midwest
My work is rooted in the creation of scenes, which present memories of and homage to the quintessential towns and neighborhoods of the Midwest. A Midwest that, at least until the 1970s, was comprised of numerous towns supporting manufacturing facilities and family farms, which established the great American middle class. Today, far too many of these towns have been lost to the constant pressure of economic decline; racial discrimination; urban revitalization, and demolition. My intention is to discover and recreate scenes within today’s Midwest that depict the survivors— those structures and neighborhoods that have somehow persisted despite these constant pressures. These images are not based in nostalgia, they are a celebration in the strength of these Midwest towns. Depicted here are the survivors of the systemic destruction of the American working/middle class. As a Literature major, my work strives to present a unique scene from which a story can be formed. Each scene can be experienced in solitude without distractions or interruptions. Like a stage play or sound stage set, these images allow the viewer to enter the scene and discover its unique world, just as I did when I captured the image. My intention is to present scenes that preserve the essence of the Midwest that existed before the devastating decline, which began in the 1970s. And, while devoid of people, these images overflow with a human presence that speaks to the persistence of the people of the Midwest. Their ability to endure the dismantling of their towns in the name of corporate profits and yet have managed to adapt or at least survive in the present day.
– robin w bailey
About Robin:
Robin W. Bailey is a photographer, based in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago. His photographic work is rooted in the presentation of quintessential scenes of Midwestern towns and neighborhoods — focused on exploring the surviving vestiges of America’s mid-20th-century heartland. A product of the Midwest, Robin grew up in the manufacturing towns of Northeast Ohio. Robin was born into a working-class family where both parents worked. This blue-collar background is an essential element in his vision and his photographic work. As a photographer, Robin is primarily self-taught driven by a desire to create and investigate the world and the practice of photography. He has attended multiple workshops with photographers, such as Frank Gohlke; Linda Conner; Larry Fink, Olivia Parker; David Bayles and Eva Rubinstein. Robin graduated with a BA in English Literature from the Ohio State University after also attending Kent State University. After a very eclectic career, he has recently retired from his 20-year position as director of marketing with a testing equipment manufacturing company. In retirement, Robin’s focus is now on extending his photographic endeavors. His work is enjoying an increasing number of shows throughout the country, including: Spiva Center for the Arts, Joplin, MO; the Center for Photographic Art, Carmel, CA; The Center for Fine Art Photography, Fort Collins, CO; Rhode Island Center for Photographic Arts, Providence, RI, Quad City Arts Gallery, Rock Island, IL and the Photo Midwest Festival, Madison, WI.
Website:www.robinwbailey.com
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.
We are member supported, the first step to membership is registration – https://www.riphotocenter.org/registration Details on membership options can be found at https://www.riphotocenter.org/membership-info
The Gallery at the Rhode Island Center for Photographic Arts is a member of Gallery Night Providence https://www.gallerynight.org
Questions: Contact gallery@riphotocenter.org To learn about other RICPA exhibits and programs, visit https://www.riphotocenter.org
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