James O’Connell: The Stars Dream Darkly
opening reception: Friday, October 18, 5-8 pm
on view: October 16–November 23, 2024
Electra Gallery proudly presents James O’Connell’s first solo photography exhibition, The Stars Dream Darkly, on view from October 16–November 23, 2024. For this monumental debut, O’Connell continues to push the boundaries of his favorite historical photographic methods with hauntingly poetic wet plate collodion interpretations of the astrological signs. O’Connell’s new pieces are rooted in his signature tintype portraiture and result from countless hours of studio sessions transforming local Santa Fe models into dreamlike mythological figures shrouded in shadow. Twelve provocative original plates, and limited edition archival prints, display a sumptuous range of tones, from velvety black to silvery white, drawing in the viewers’ gaze and speaking to O’Connell’s mastery and dedication to his light-based craft.
Join us for the opening reception on Friday, October 18, from 5 to 8 pm at Electra Gallery, 825 Early St Suite D, in Santa Fe. Come dressed as your astrological sign and be entered to win a free print by James!
James O’Connell is a Santa Fe-based Photographer specializing historic photo processes such as wet plate collodion. James fell in love with the wet plate collodion process while working at Bostick & Sullivan, the largest supplier of alternative photo chemistry. James studied photography and poetry at Emerson College, and his work has been exhibited in the United States and published in national photo publications such as Aint-bad and Analog Forever. James collaborates with other artists and art venues to host residencies and workshops focusing on historic photography processes. James is the owner and founder of the wet plate “tintype” portrait studio High Desert Alchemy in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
For more information contact Georgia at electragallery@protonmail.com
October 26, 2024 - November 23, 2024
Electra Gallery
825 Early St Suite D
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505