Donald E Camp: An Evocative Exploration of Identity at List Gallery
The List Gallery at Swarthmore College proudly presents “Donald E Camp: Faces,” an illuminating solo exhibition celebrating the profound and deeply reflective work of Donald E Camp, one of today’s most compelling photographic artists. On view from March 5 through April 6, 2025, this carefully curated exhibition by Associate Curator Tess Wei spans nearly four decades of Camp’s groundbreaking artistic practice. Featuring his renowned photographic portraits alongside newly debuted works, “Faces” provides an intimate look into Camp’s innovative techniques and commitment to social introspection.
Donald E Camp: Portraiture Beyond Photography
The genesis of “Donald E Camp: Faces” lies in the artist’s acclaimed series, Dust Shaped Hearts, renowned for its striking visual depth and innovative use of casein and earth pigments. These materials lend Camp’s portraits a unique texture, transforming each photographic print into a tangible, emotional landscape. New additions to the series, incorporating digital photographic negatives for the first time, will also be introduced, marking an exciting evolution in Camp’s artistry. Additionally, the exhibition will include selected non-figurative works, offering attendees deeper insight into the breadth of Camp’s experimental and conceptual range.
Born in Meadville, Pennsylvania, in 1940, Donald E Camp began his artistic journey as a photojournalist in 1972. Disturbed by negative media stereotypes, especially caricatures of Black men, he dedicated his artistic vision to challenging misrepresentation and promoting human dignity. Camp transitioned from journalism to fine arts education, earning a BFA in 1987 and an MFA in 1989 from Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia.
Donald E Camp’s unique methodology echoes 19th-century photographic practices. He meticulously layers casein and earth pigments onto prints, skillfully agitating, brushing, and scratching their surfaces. Each piece is shaped through repeated exposures to light, producing images that feel both timeless and deeply personal. By consciously creating singular works rather than multiples, Camp underscores the distinct identity and inherent worth of his subjects.
The early 1990s marked the inception of his ongoing Dust Shaped Hearts series, initially featuring significant male figures in his life, such as “Brother Who Taught Me to See – Mr. Herbert Camp” and “Man Who Prays – Mr. Moses Richardson.” Later, his focus expanded to highlight influential women, exemplified by powerful works like “Woman Who Sees Form and Color – Ms. Barbara Bullock” and “Woman Who Cooks – Chef Leah Chase.”
Join Donald E Camp at the opening reception on Thursday, March 20, beginning with an engaging artist talk at 4:30 PM in the Lang Performing Arts Center Cinema, followed by a reception at the List Gallery from 5:30 to 7:00 PM. Gallery hours run Tuesday through Sunday, noon to 5:00 PM.
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