Photo courtesy of Ken Rosenthal

This untitled print from adjunct photography professor Ken Rosenthal's new series, "Seen and Not Seen," reflects the"dreamy" quality of his art. "Seen and Not Seen" is on display at Metroform Limited, 27 N. Stone, until Nov. 9.

Thursday September 27, 2001

UA adjunct photo professor shows his stuff at local gallery

Do our memories come from life experiences, or are they what we imagine they should be?

The idea that pictures spur seemingly real, yet ultimately false memories is the basis for UA adjunct photography professor Ken Rosenthal's latest exhibition, "Seen and Not Seen."

Rosenthal became a UA adjunct professor 18 months ago and teaches photography technique, visual communication and graphic design. When not teaching his craft, he is busy practicing it.

After going home to Los Angeles and looking through old family photos, Rosenthal decided he wanted to work with photographs.

But until now, he was not sure how.

"I was thinking about the issue of memory and how it can be shaped more by a photo or a dream than by actual experience," Rosenthal said.

After toying with some different diffusion techniques to blur images, Rosenthal discovered that overdoing some images gave them a "dreamy" quality. The idea for the exhibition came together shortly thereafter.

Many of the images in "Seen and Not Seen" have personal significance to Rosenthal.

"Water is a very common element in my work because of my childhood growing up near the water, and (I) have a fear of water after almost drowning," Rosenthal said. "And children. Lots of the work relates to images from my childhood, and it helps me relate to my own children, now that I'm a parent."

The project began with 250 5-by-7 inch photographs before Rosenthal pared the exhibit down to the 75 shots he felt best reflected the show. The selection that will be shown at the exhibition was further reduced to roughly 15 large photos, plus an assortment of smaller prints.

"Some images are sweet, and some are dark and sinister, much like the life experience," Rosenthal said.

One image of a woman floating in water reflects the lighter side of the display, while another of a man wearing a top hat with New York City in the background depicts a more ominous tone.

"That photo (of the man in New York City) has taken on meanings not intended, especially because of the events on Sept. 11," Rosenthal said.

This image follows suit with the rest in conveying the message of the show: Many images, while intensely personal, speak to a common experience. In this context, the common experience is the possession of false memories.

"Interestingly, as I have worked on this series, some of the images have become so resonant that the lines between experience and invention have blurred even more," Rosenthal said.

Rosenthal's works have graced other cities besides the Old Pueblo. Newer pieces of his are featured in many private and public collections, including the Art Institute of Chicago.

A native of California, Rosenthal attended the University of Southern California's School of Cinema and Television, where he received his bachelor's degree in still photography. After that, he went to New York where he worked as a printer for photographer Arnold Newman. Later, he received a master's degree in photography from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

"Seen and Not Seen" will be on display at the Metroform Limited Gallery. The gallery is relatively new - only one and a half years old. It is owned by furniture designer D. Scott Baker and managed by Wendy Hill.

"We display contemporary art - paintings, photographs, ceramics and, of course, furniture," Hill said.

The opening reception for "Seen and Not Seen" is Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Metroform Limited Gallery, 27 N. Stone. Regular gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and admission is free. "Seen and Not Seen" closes Nov. 9.