THE ART OF SOUND: Photographs of musicians and music

February 1, 2010 | Source: Monroe Gallery of Photography

Eddie Adams: Louis Armstrong, Opening Night, Las Vegas, 1970

Santa Fe--Monroe Gallery of Photography, 112 Don Gaspar, is pleased to announce "The Art of Sound", an extensive survey of more than 50 classic photographs portraying iconic personalities from the field of music as captured by renowned photographers. All genres of music are represented, including opera, pop, jazz, classical, and rock. The exhibition opens with a public reception on Friday, February 5, from 5 to 7 PM. "The Art of Sound" will continue through April 11.

Musicians have been the subject of photographs since the invention of photography in the 19th century. Over time, the genre developed rapidly once the technical evolution of the medium allowed photographers to photographs musicians "in concert." Eventually, an entire industry was created in response to the record companies' need for constant material for publicity and album promotion.

Photographs in this exhibition include formal portraits either taken in a studio or staged in an environment of the photographer's choosing, but the majority were taken in performance: auditoriums, nightclubs, and symphony halls, and wherever musicians are just "hanging out". In these photographs the essential personality of the musician is revealed, and an image of the past becomes visual history.

We listen to music with our ears, but we experience it with our eyes, too. Photographers in the exhibition have captured the energy, passion, style, and sex appeal of these great musicians.

View the exhibition online here.

In addition to the photographs featured in the exhibition, Monroe Gallery has a wide selection of available photographs of numerous other musicians and performers. Please contact the gallery for further information.