“Sensitive Content”

phd gallery Presents a Photography Exhibit of Black and White Nudes to Probe Midwestern Comfort Zones

Photographers Jeff Palmer and Stan Trampe challenge the sensibilities of local audiences with their exhibit of exquisitely photographed, idealized nudes entitled, “Sensitive Content.” phd gallery presents this collection of 48 black and white photographs, which will be on display and for purchase from June 28 through August 17. An opening night reception takes place, Saturday, June 28 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The event is free and the photographers will attend.
The Bible Belt is unbuckled in this examination of classic nude photography within the context of the Midwestern United States. Images of the human body write a diary about the cultures that create them. Photographic images are perhaps the most proliferated of images and they often reflect the social and political climate under which they were made. A challenging image which forces viewers to confront or experience uncomfortable or taboo feelings may provoke contention or even be a catalyst for change. Nude photographs can be political because they represent not only bodies, but also greater truths about contemporary society.
Stan Trampe, a St. Louis favorite, is a self-taught photographer who became serious about photography in 1987, at the age of 56, after spending years in St. Louis commercial real estate. With a passion to create fine art nude images, sparked by a book on black and white photography by Robert Farber, he designed and built his own darkroom and photo studio in his loft. Trampe became so accomplished that in 1999, he was asked to write his own book on black and white nude photography that was published by Amherst Media.
Jeff Palmer, a Palm Springs, California native also entered the world of photography as a second career. After graduating with a Master’s degree in Theatre Arts from San Diego State University, he taught theatrical design for 15 years. It was from the world of theatrical design and lighting he became enthralled with light and shadow – how it can convey mood and feelings as well as sculpt the body. A sensitive, idealized figure, sculpted by light is the hallmark of Palmer’s photographic images. Working mostly in black and white, Palmer enjoys removing the images one step from reality where the textural, sculptural and sensual qualities of light on the body come into focus. Professor Carl of Washington University writes: “Palmer is a photographer with a point of view and he intends to share it, assaulting the absurdities of a society that is discomforted by homoerotic possibilities while at the same time celebrating Victoria’s Secret as a television show. Palmer’s work demonstrates his ability to capture the seemingly unscripted moment and a studiously posed composition with equal sensitivity.”
On opening night, June 28, both artists will be on hand to sign copies of their books: Touch by Jeff Palmer, (Bruno Gmunder) and Black and white Nude Photography by Stan Trampe, (Amherst Media).
phd gallery, is located at 2300 Cherokee Street in St. Louis. Hours are noon to 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. www.phdstl.com 314-664-6644. For more information about phd gallery, or to schedule an interview with the gallery owner, Philip Hitchcock, or the artists, contact Image Works at 314-367-7376.
phd gallery, is now in it’s second year. Gallery director and St. Louis native, Philip Hitchcock, returned to St. Louis after spending more than 20 years in Los Angeles. An artist himself, Hitchcock received the prestigious Broadcast Design Award in 1997 for his work on MGM/UA Television’s The Outer Limits, and his artistic designs have been featured in film, television, and advertising including FOX TV’s hit show The Swan. His statue of Christ Embracing the Cross is featured in the permanent collection of the Saint Louis University Museum of Art.
Additional phd gallery Events
Ensemble – A Gallery Group Exhibition
phd gallery continues to feature, Ensemble, a group exhibition of 10 artists using various media, including ceramics, sculpture, painting, printmaking and photography. On view are gallery artists including: Joe Chesla, E. Gibbons, Leslie Holt, Ken Konchel, David Lancaster, LeRoy Lottmann, Metra Mithchell, Jim Sabo, Aaron Stasky, and Lin Xu.
Still on Display through June 21, 2008
Hello Masterpiece, miniature oil paintings by St. Louis artist, Leslie Holt. This series of postcard size paintings intersects pop culture and antiquity by juxtaposing the character, Hello Kitty, with quintessential images from art history.