Terrence A. Reese (TAR). Gordon Parks, October 8, 1995. New York, NY. 1995. Silver Gelatin Print 15″h x 15″w. Courtesy the artist.
DeKalb, IL – This fall the Northern Illinois University Art Museum presents Reflections: Intimate Portraits of Iconic African Americans excerpts from a 20 year project of “documentary-style” black and white photographs capturing the creative collaboration of dialog between the artists and his subjects, leading African Americans from a variety of fields. The exhibition opens Tuesday, August 29 with a public reception Wednesday, October 11 from 5 to 6 p.m. at the NIU Art Museum galleries. The exhibition runs through October 20, 2017 with a series of public lectures, programs, and Get-on-the-Bus excursions related to the show.
In his series Reflections, Terrence A. Reese, also known as TAR, depicts pioneers from a variety of fields who have shaped American culture and history in ways big and small. Featuring a wide range of African American politicians, artists, educators, and musicians – many with overlapping roles as activists who have fought against racial, social and economic inequality – Reflections shows a more personal view of these public figures. Carefully framed and composed, each portrait depicts subjects in strategically placed mirrors within their homes, offices and studios. This technique allows Reese, who trained as an architectural draftsman, to represent not only the faces of his subjects but also the artworks, books and mementos that decorate their personal spaces.
The resulting photographs are layered and complex, revealing the photographic process as a collaborative, focused, sometimes humorous encounter between artist and subject. Accompanying each image is a text by Reese describing the contributions of his sitters, who include the Reverend Jesse Jackson, Gordon Parks, Faith Ringgold, B.B. King and Eleanor Holmes Norton. These intimate photographs serve to memorialize and honor the contributions and achievements of these iconic figures.
Chicago-born Terrence A. Reese (TAR) has always had an eye for capturing the essence of his subjects, letting his images tell the story. After graduating from Southern Illinois University, TAR moved to New York City to pursue his passion for photography and opened a full-service photography studio in Chelsea. He launched his professional career attracting an array of clients, including movers and shakers within the entertainment, business, and political sectors, such as Tupac Shakur, Missy Elliott, D’Angelo, LL Cool J, Mary J Blige, Aaliyah, Billy Joel, Lauren Hill, Warner Bros., Virgin Records, and former New York City Mayor David Dinkins, to name a few. He has also worked with Harper’s Bazaar, Details, Vibe and Esquire Weekly publications. In 1994 TAR began what has become his signature documentary-style photography series entitled “Reflections.” TAR works in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.
Lead support for this exhibition came from The Barbara Cole Peters Fund for the NIU Art Museum with additional support from the Center for Black Studies, and the Office of Academic Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at NIU. Special thanks to Kaitlin Booher, Graduate Fellow, Department of Art History, Rutgers University and Donna Gustafson, Curator of American Art and Mellon Director of Academic Programs at the Zimmerli Art Museum, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ.
Also on view: VINTAGE CAMERAS: A Snapshot of Photographic Technology provides a glimpse into the history of photography through vintage cameras on loan from avid collectors and photographers and showcases a variety of camera styles, formats, developments, and technological innovations.
Associated Events and Educational Programs
More information about the NIU Art Museum exhibitions, events, and educational programming may be found online by visiting niu.edu/artmuseum/events.
Wednesday, October 11
Public Reception for Reflections: Intimate Portraits of Iconic African Americans
5-6 p.m., NIU Art Museum
Terrence A. Reese (TAR) Reflections Visiting Artist SlideTalk
Sponsored by the Center for Black Studies and the Office of Academic Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
6:10-7:40 p.m., Altgeld 125
Get-on-the-Bus Excursions
Thursday, September 7
The Photographer’s Curator and Paul Gauguin exhibitions at the AIC
Spend the day at the Art Institute of Chicago to view The Photographer’s Curator: Hugh Edwards and Paul Gauguin: Artist as Alchemist, before it closes September 10. RSVP by 9/4. $$ Departure 9:00 a.m. Expected Return 4:30 p.m.
Friday, October 27
Bronzeville Murals, South Side Arts Center, and DuSable Museum
Go on a private bus tour of Bronzeville’s contemporary and historic outdoor African-American murals. RSVP by 10/20. $$ Departure 8:15 a.m. Expected Return 6:15 p.m.
Tuesday, December 12
Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago/Catherine Edelman Gallery
Visit a contemporary group show of 14 women photographers and then talk with gallery owner Catherine Edelman about her gallery and the current show of contemporary photography. RSVP by 12/5. $$ Departure 9:30 a.m. Expected Return 5 p.m.
For questions, more information, or to reserve your Get-on-the-Bus seat please phone the NIU Art Museum at 815-753-1936. Programs are subject to additions and changes.
About the NIU Art Museum
Serving Campus and Community by Balancing Traditional and Contemporary Art to Explore the Connections Made Through Visual Culture.
Part of the College of Visual and Performing Arts‘ vibrant and active arts community on campus, the Northern Illinois University Art Museum is a resource for the NIU campus, local community and beyond. The NIU Art Museum is located on the first floor, west end of Altgeld Hall, on the corner of College Avenue and Castle Drives on the main campus of Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL. Parking is available in the Carroll Avenue Visitor’s Pay Lot and metered spots in front of Altgeld Hall. Campus parking is free on weekends and after 5 p.m. weeknights.
The exhibitions and programs of the NIU Art Museum are sponsored in part by the Illinois Arts Council Agency; the Friends of the NIU Art Museum; and the Dean’s Circle of the College of Visual and Performing Arts.
