at Mojave National Preserve
Starts on January 23, 2010 at 9:00AM
Ends on April 25, 2010 at 5:00PM
Mojave: Near & Far
Photographs by Jim Smart
Exhibition: January 23 to April 25, 2010
Since the turn of the last century, transcontinental railroads have promoted rail travel to national parks by producing framed prints and advertizing art that depicts the beauty of these national treasures. The tradition of close ties between the railroads, art, and national parks continues at the Desert Light Gallery in Kelso Depot Visitor Center.
Mojave National Preserve invites desert travelers to experience the photography of Jim Smart in the Desert Light Gallery at the Kelso Depot Visitor Center. Smart's exhibit, Mojave: Near & Far, will be on display from January 23 to April 25, 2010.
Jim Smart has been taking photographic images for 50 years and had intended to let the digital generation pass him by; but as an instructor in photo-journalism at CSU-San Bernardino, Smart fount that he could no longer avoid converting if he were to serve the students. So he set aside his treasured Leica and Hasselblad cameras and joined the digital age. Although he continues to shoot with film, many of the images in this exhibition were taken with a Canon 5D Mark II.
In Mojave: Near & Far, Smart explores the stunning scenery of the desert both at the landscape level and in detail, finding interest in uncommon perspectives and unique moments created by the desert's celebrated light.
Limited edition prints from exhibitions are available for purchase at the Western National Parks Association (WNPA) bookstore inside the Kelso Depot Visitor Center. Proceeds from print sales fund projects aimed at promoting the understanding and enjoyment of Mojave National Preserve.