by Monica Chamness
Staff Writer
The Jacksonville Museum of Modern Art hosted its Lunchtime Lecture Series Wednesday at its preview gallery across from Hemming Plaza. Artists were invited to discuss their work and photographer Dominick Martorelli was present to explain the meaning and process behind his current exhibition.
“I look at photography as a visual language,” said Martorelli. “It is a way of talking to people about our culture. Photography is not about aperture, film speed or composition, but about yourself. Art is highly personal.”
Martorelli’s work revolves around three main themes: religion, sexuality and the power of the subconscious on the conscious mind. Images depicting a crucified female, an androgynous individual or suggestive pictures hang on the walls of the museum’s current exhibit space. He is one of a trio of photographers to attend the series this fall. The Dec. 4 program features Thomas Hager.
“We felt there was a lunch crowd downtown who wanted to get into the museum,” said Jane Craven, president of JMOMA. “Since education is part of our mission, we thought it would be great to have the artists themselves speak. People seem to love it. The crowds appear to get bigger and bigger.”
Museum officials will continue the program after moving into the renovated Western Union Building.
“The lectures will probably be more frequent then because we’ll have more exhibitions going on plus, we’ll have an auditorium where we can have the lectures in,” said Craven.