The temporary exhibition “Glimpses: A Selection of Works from the Comer Collection,” curated by Dr. Diane Durant, UT Dallas associate professor of instruction, is now on display and open to the public at ATC 3.102.
Located on the third floor of the Edith O’Donnell Arts & Technology Building, the gallery features 12 works from the Jerry and Marilyn Comer Collection of Photography.
“For this exhibition, I wanted to show the depth and breadth of the collection, a glimpse into both the history of photography and the acquisition practices of our donor, Mr. Jerry Comer, who really makes every effort to collect an array of photographic processes from a diversity of photographers,” Durant said. “To emphasize a historical continuum, the works in this installation are visually connected through the decades by their subjects, compositions, and the truths glimpsed before the camera, from still lifes and mundane observations to humanity, formal beauty, and narrativity.”
With over a decade of experience as part of the UT Dallas faculty, Durant imparts her expertise in photography, text, images, and printing methods. At the Bass School, she teaches subjects involving darkroom processes, camera skills, and technique and development methods. Additionally, she specializes in traditional and experimental photographic printing methods and the procedures derived from bookmaking, printmaking, photography, computer imaging, painting, and graphic design.
Outside the classroom, Durant serves as the Jerry and Marilyn Comer Collection of Photography director. This compilation, gifted by Jerry Comer MS’77 in 2005, captures notable representations of the work of female artists and socially conscious photographers. The Comer Collection comprises numerous images documenting American history, including several portfolios from the Civil Rights movement, among more than 1,500 photographs dating from 1940 to the present.
The ATC 3.102 Gallery opened last year as a captivating platform designed to host a series of evolving exhibitions, allowing students and faculty to present their artistic endeavors. This dedicated space offers a transient and dynamic setting, encouraging a constant flow of creative expression. At the ATC 3.102 Gallery, any member of the AHT community can request a reservation to showcase their artistic creations.
Last week, Philip Martin, the Bass School’s building services assistant manager, and Austin Tate installed the exhibition for the public’s enjoyment.
