October 14 - November 25, 2023
From Photographs Do Not Bend:
“PDNB Gallery is exhibiting a collection of Daguerreotypes for the first time since opening the gallery in 1995. Within this press release, the term, “dags” will refer to these 19th century photographs.
In 1837, Louis Jacques Mandé Daguerre invented the process of capturing an image seen inside a camera obscura. The process of fixing the image on a sheet of copper, coated with a thin coat of silver, made it possible to hold the image indefinitely.
These dags were so detailed by the nature of the process, we still find ourselves in awe of the magic of this early invention.
A private collector is sharing his dags in this exhibition in a unique way. The exhibition will pair these small, beautifully cased images along with 22 x 17 inch photographic prints of each daguerreotype in the show.
I asked the collector what drew him to collecting these relics. The passage of time, both physically and metaphorically is interesting to him. The deterioration of the daguerreotypes and of the sitter creates enchanting imagery. He said he has been collecting since 1975.
The collector is drawn to portraits of the elderly, early images from 1839-1845, unique faces. and post mortem. He is also attracted to historical references, for example, “Fought in the Revolutionary War, lived to be 100.” Also, famous subjects are always a great find.
He decided to enlarge the daguerreotype portrait to make the work more accessible. The photograph enlargements reveal more character and offers a new way of seeing the subject.
Special Gallery talks are scheduled during these exhibitions:
-Marcy Palmer, Saturday, October 28, 2023 @ 2pm
-Thomas Kennaugh, The Daguerreotype, Saturday, November 4, 2023 @ 2pm”
Reception: October 14, 2023 | 5–8 pm
Photographs Do Not Bend Gallery (River Bend Location)
150 Manufacturing Street, Suite 203
Dallas, 75207 Texas
214.969.1852
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