The Art of Photography: Through the Eyes of Earl J. Hooks

Artist Reception: June 24, 6 pm - 8 pm

Join the ARTfactory in celebrating the opening of The Art of Photography Through the Eyes of Earl J. Hooks during our free Artist Reception on Saturday, June 24, 6 pm - 8 pm.

Exhibition Summary

The ARTfactory celebrates the life, and photography of nationally renowned artist, Earl J. Hooks (1927-2005). For the first time, The Art of Photography: Through the Eyes of Earl J. Hooks brings together fifty photographs spanning over sixty years of the artist's oeuvre. Well known in the second half of the 20th century for his sculpture and ceramics, The Art of Photography recontextualizes Hooks' legacy through careful pairings of photographs and three dimensional works. Elevating the artist’s nuanced interest in color, shape, texture, depth, and space, The Art of Photography builds visual connections that redefine Hooks' studio practice. The ARTFactory is pleased to announce this retrospective is co-curated by Manassas resident, Earl Hooks Jr.

Earl J. Hooks’ photography is accompanied by QR codes linking his photography to rarely seen film footage by the artist. These QR codes are courtesy of the artist’s family.

The exhibition will also address the artist’s history with the local and national chapters of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. The exhibition reception on June 24 is sponsored by longtime supporters of the ARTfactory, the Prince William County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

About the Artist

Earl J. Hooks was born August 2, 1927 in Baltimore, Maryland. He graduated from Howard University in 1952, and studied under Lois Malou Jones, James Porter, and James Wells. Hooks went on to complete his graduate studies in 1954 at the Rochester Institute (previously known as the School of American Craftsmen) under Frans Wildenhain. He taught at Shaw University in NC, Indiana University NW Campus, Indiana Public Schools, and at Fisk University in TN, where he worked as both a professor and chair of the art department for 28 years. Visit VirginiaARTfactory.org to learn more about the artist.