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

Artist Panel Discussion: July 15, 2 pm - 4 pm (doors open at 1:30 pm)

To coincide with the Earl J. Hooks exhibition, ARTfactory is hosting an Artist Panel Discussion on Saturday, July 15, 2 pm to 4 pm. The topics of this panel discussion concentrate on Hooks as an artist, photographer, educator, and his lasting impact on the art world. Of particular interest is Hooks’ personal and professional relationships with the artists on the panel. This event includes artists William M. Duffy, Ed Hamilton, John Simmons, as well as scholars Melanee Harvey and Halima Taha.

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.

Panelists:

William M. Duffy is a sculptor, well recognized for his expertise in the ancient art of handcarving.

Ed Hamilton is a sculptor, nationally known for his specialization in public art. Hamilton has created public art memorializing important people in American history across the United States, including the Lincoln Memorial at Waterfront Park in Louisville, Kentucky; Booker T. Washington Memorial in Hampton, Virginia; and the Spirit of Freedom Civil War Memorial, a commissioned work honoring the African American Civil War veterans, in Washington DC.

John Simmons, ASC is an Emmy winning cinematographer, and esteemed photographer. His interest working behind the camera stemmed from his childhood experiences in Chicago growing up with esteemed photographer Robert “Bobby” Sengstacke.

Halima Taha is an art professional whose curatorial, art advisory, gallery, appraisal, strategic planning, writing, and management services develop corporate, not-for-profit, academic, and civic programs and audiences.  She is best known for her groundbreaking bestseller, Collecting African American Art: Works on Paper and Canvas, the first book to validate collecting fine art, printmaking, and photography by Americans of African descent as viable assets and commodities in the market.

Moderator:

Melanee C. Harvey is associate professor of art history in the Department of Art in the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts at Howard University.