The Coburn Gallery at Ashland University will host an exhibition titled “Precious Objects,” which will display 20 paired photographs featuring the portraits of the sitters holding their self-chosen precious objects alongside a full-size copy of handwritten statements explaining their choice, all created by Ohio photographer Charles Mintz.
The exhibition will run from June 30 through August 5 and a closing reception is planned for Sunday, August 5, from 2 to 4 p.m. During the closing reception, the gallery patrons will have the chance to meet Mintz.
The “Precious Object” project began with a focus on Mintz wanting to compare these selected items to contemporary consumer objects. Mintz’s view returns in the curated selection of these subjects.
“The overall collection is not about what I think nor is it even about the objects. It looks at the personal search each subject makes through the stuff in their lives to discover the stories that link the objects to who they are today,” Mintz said. “It is impossible to ignore my own history or the things I love and respect. In some cases, participants knew what they wanted instantly. Some people never were able get there.”
According to Mintz, the project has a remarkable duality between the written statements and the appearance of the portrait.
“I was humbled by the stories of the 170 people in this project. Loli’s letters written by the mother she never knew, Trevis’ inmate card from 25 years ago and his current library card, and Grace’s lovely little stuffed dog who survived her scarlet fever all represent the subject’s courage and generosity in coming forward with their stories. While all three are challenges I never faced, they give life and perspective to the one’s that I have,” he explained.
Photography, which is Mintz’s third career, is the result of a passion acquired in Maine many years ago. Most of his work is done on film -- at least it begins there. The monochrome is printed in the traditional darkroom, the color scanned and printed on inkjet printers. He no longer prints color in the darkroom although the experience in color and contrast management strongly affects how Mintz’s prints digitally.
Mintz’s education includes study at Parsons School of Design, International Center for Photography, Maine Media Workshops and Cuyahoga Community College. Mintz is the recipient of two Ohio Arts Council grants and he exhibits regularly on a regional, national and international level.
The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 12 noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and admission is free and open to the public. For more information about the reception or exhibition, call 419.289.5652 or visit us on Facebook.
