The Online Reflector

The Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center Gallery unveiled its newest exhibit, “Cell Phone Photography,” on Nov. 7. The exhibit runs until Dec. 9 and features photographs from both amateur and professional photographers.

According to Donna Adams, associate professor in the department of art & design, the idea for the exhibit came to her after she taught a summer workshop on cell phone photography.

“I thought it would be interesting to show the wide range of images possible with this new technology,” Adams said. “Since the quality has rapidly improved, many phones have apps for images and accessories are being sold to place on the lens that increase the options further.”

Adams said the art department developed a brochure. They submitted the information to UIndy faculty, students, regional photography groups and the UIndy website. Adams said that one of the requirements for entering the exhibit was that the photograph be taken with a cell phone.

“Accepted work had to be matted and framed, ready to hang and no larger than 16 inches by 20 inches,” she said.

More than 150 entries were received for this exhibit.  Adams said that many of the artists who entered were from the central Indiana area, and that the furthest piece of artwork was from Kentucky. UIndy alumni, students, faculty and staff were represented in the exhibition. When narrowing down which photos to include in the exhibit, Adams said the judges followed a set of guidelines.

“We looked for aesthetic quality, a variety of subjects and a variety of approaches—from straight photography to images taken with apps or add-on accessories, unedited to highly manipulated,” she said.

On Nov. 7, the art department hosted an opening reception for the “Cell Phone Photography” exhibit. Many of the photographers were present, and awards were announced.  Photographs also were purchased to add to UIndy’s permanent exhibit, which consists of the artwork that is hung in various locations around the campus.

Adams said that she encourages visitors to come to the exhibit to enjoy the images and be inspired by the range of subjects being photographed with a cell phone.

“UIndy has hosted many photography exhibitions over the years, both juried and invitational,” she said.  “This is the first exhibition restricted to cell phone images that I am aware of anywhere.  It is rewarding to be able to share a wide range of cell phone images by amateurs and professionals with the public.”

Sophomore biology and chemistry major Amber Lindahl was one of the many visitors who came to view the “Cell Phone Photography” exhibit.  “I’ve never seen an art exhibit that just features cell phone photography,” Lindahl said.  “I hope the art department considers doing another cell phone photography exhibit like this in the future because it is so unique.”

Lindahl went on to explain her personal experience with cell phone photography.

“I love taking pictures with my phone, but never thought something like that could be in an exhibit,” she said.

Many of the photographers are selling their work. A list of prices is in the Christel DeHaan Art Gallery.  Anyone interested in purchasing a photograph can contact the art department at 317-788-3253.