"Identity" explores the past in a modern way

Last Friday I had the opportunity to stop by Long View Gallery and preview their upcoming exhibition, Identify.  Identify will feature over thirty photo-based mixed media works by D.C. artist Mike Weber and will run through May 20.  The opening reception for Identify will be held this coming Thursday, April 22, from 6:30-9:30 P.M.

In his exhibited works, Mike Weber combines found antique photographs with his own unique style of augmentation to create a contemporary and visually complex end product.  A primary idea behind Identify is Weber’s exploration of commemoration and heritage. The subjects of Weber’s pieces derive from dated photographs the artist has collected over the years, many of which are familial.  Weber selects specific snapshots containing atypical facial expressions or other unique elements that evoke a sense of detachment from the portrayed time period.  He then converts these antiquated photographs into newly composed digital prints on canvas.  Once the prints are on canvas, Mike Weber enhances the images through the use of various materials.  Some pieces contain text while others feature multi colored strips of paint chips.  Like all of the components in Weber’s works, the colors represented in these paint chips have a purpose.  The patterned chip relates to Identify’s explored concept of genealogy.  “The offspring of each hue is named and codified according to how they relate to one another”.  Before each piece is completely finished Weber covers the canvas with resin to create a glossy, refurbished image.  Pieces of wood are used to back each canvas in order to keep the resin from cracking and provide an overall hard, flat surface.

I viewed a handful of Mike Weber’s pieces while visiting Long View Gallery and I was struck by both his successful synthesizing of photography and painting, and his ability to capture two distinct time periods in a single image.  In “Yountville Pioneer” Weber depicts  the home of George Calvert Yount, the first permanent settler of Napa Valley and commemorates his own German-American heritage.  “Shake It” is a portrait of a dancer (most likely dating back to the 19th century) that the artist has transformed.  Weber enhanced the image in such a way that the same person appears as two woman dancing back to back, thus making a more visually complex, intricate image.  Identify gives the viewer a window into the past with a feeling of modernity.

I am looking forward to seeing the remainder of Mike Weber’s works at his opening on Thursday.  As an added bonus, a selection of the original photographs and preliminary sketches will also be on display.  The reception will include complimentary food and beverages by Jose Andres with Ridgewells, in addition to live music by jazz quartet Laissez Foure.  A fun evening indeed!

Long View Gallery, 1234 9th Street, NW, Washington, DC  20001, Wednesday-Saturday 11AM-6PM; Sundays 12PM-5PM and by appointment.