'Black and White’ captures local talent

With the perforated white sands of the desert glow in one image and the playful, almost human smile of a horse’s snout in another, these images are just a glimpse into the realm of black and white photography.

“Black and White,” a juried exhibition of images from local photographers, will explore this realm begining Jan. 28 at the Rusteberg building at UTB-TSC.

The exhibit will include 18 black and white images of places near and far from the homes of its artists.

“After many years of observation, I noticed that photography is a constant and well defined venue for expression in South Texas,” said Carlos G. Gomez, the exhibit’s curator and a professor of fine art at the University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College.

Gomez decided to judge a show of black and white photographs last year, and was impressed by the submissions.

This year, the Best in Show award went to James Miller for his “Self-portrait with camera.” Miller’s blurry image of himself resembles Rodin’s “The Thinker,” with a pensive Miller seated in an adult position, yet with a curve that Gomez describes as almost fetal.

“Miller clearly possesses advanced thinking skills and takes advantage of technology,” Gomez said, “but what he depicts is more than a moment, but instead captures what appears to be an embryonic image that transforms into an aging apparition.”

Gomez has curated more than 100 art shows during his career. Gomez was raised in Brownsville and received his M.F.A. from Washington State University. He says that although his specialties are painting and drawing, he can identify a good photo when he sees one.

“For some reason the talent of photographers is well above the rest of other visual arts (in the Valley),” he said.

“Black and White” will open on Jan. 28 with a reception at 6: 30 at the Rusteberg Hall at UTB-TSC and will be on display until Feb. 14.

What: “Black and White,” a juried exhibition of images from local photographers

When: Opening reception at 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 28. The exhibit will run through Feb. 14.

Where: Rusteberg building at UTB-TSC

Admission: $3 (free to Patron of the Arts members. Student semester passes available for $5)

Gallery hours: Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.