Honoring Bernal: A Legacy Continued Through the Eyes of Pima’s Photography Faculty and Alumni, Sept. 11
Tucson, Arizona – Pima Community College, in partnership with the Center for Creative Photography, proudly presents “Preserving Bernal’s Legacy,” an exhibit honoring the profound influence of Louis Carlos Bernal and showcasing the remarkable talents of faculty and staff who have followed in his footsteps. This exhibit features works by Louis Carlos Bernal, Ann Simmons-Myers, Charlotte Earley, Karen Hymer, Anh-Thuy Nguyen, Ernesto Esquer, Pam Golden, and Marietta Bernstorff.
- What: Preserving Bernal’s Legacy: Louis Carlos Bernal, Ann Simmons-Myers, Charlotte Earley, Karen Hymer, Anh-Thuy Nguyen, Ernesto Esquer, Pam Golden, and Marietta Bernstorff
- Where: Louis Carlos Bernal Gallery, Center for the Arts – West Campus, 2202 W. Anklam Road
- When: Sept.11 - Oct. 25 | Reception: September 19, 5-7 p.m.; Lecture: October 17, 6 p.m. “Pride of Expression: LatinX Photography and Low Rider Culture,” Location: Proscenium Theatre CFA, West Campus, Nadiah Rivera Fellah, Associate Curator of Contemporary Art, Cleveland Museum of Art, also featuring Tucson’s Sophisticated Few Car Club
In conjunction with this exhibit, the Center for Creative Photography is hosting “Louis Carlos Bernal: Retrospective,” September. 14, 2024-March 15, 2025. This retrospective will provide a comprehensive look at Bernal’s influential work and legacy.
“Preserving Bernal’s Legacy” is a tribute to Louis Carlos Bernal’s work and the enduring influence he has had on the photography community at Pima Community College and beyond. Each featured artist, through their unique lens, continues the dialogue that Bernal began.
About Louis Carlos Bernal
Louis Carlos Bernal (1941–1993), who was born in Douglas and grew up in Phoenix, was a trailblazing photographer and the first photography instructor at Pima Community College. After earning his M.F.A. from Arizona State University in 1972, Bernal dedicated his career to developing Pima’s photography program. His groundbreaking work, particularly his participation
in the ESPEJO project, brought international recognition and highlighted the rich cultural tapestry of Chicano life in the Southwest.
Bernal’s photography captures the essence of barrio life, depicting everyday scenes with deep spiritual and cultural significance. His work, characterized by strong compositional design and technical expertise, serves as a visual document preserving the unique iconography of Mexican-American communities.
Other Artists
Ann Simmons-Myers: Known for her evocative imagery, Simmons-Myers will present her “Bikers” collection, a 1985 series of black-and-white photographs capturing the vibrant and diverse motorcyclist community in Tucson.
Charlotte Earley: Earley’s work captures the interplay between the natural and constructed environments, often highlighting the subtle beauty of overlooked spaces.
Karen Hymer: Hymer’s photography will feature her cyanotype images focused on water, exploring the elemental and transformative properties of this vital resource.
Anh-Thuy Nguyen: Nguyen is a multimedia artist whose work often explores themes of displacement, memory, and cultural assimilation, reflecting her experiences as a Vietnamese immigrant.
Ernesto Esquer: Esquer’s delicate and dynamic darkroom prints forge a connection between the past and the present, infusing traditional subjects with a contemporary twist.
Pam Golden: Golden’s series “The Morning Light” presents new photography, capturing serene and poignant moments along the Tohono O’odham Nation’s international border.
Marietta Bernstorff: Bernstorff’s work includes images she took while she was a photography student at Pima in the 1980s, offering a nostalgic and insightful look into the past.
This exhibit offers a unique opportunity to experience the powerful and diverse perspectives of these talented photographers. By exploring their works, visitors will gain a deeper appreciation for the rich cultural heritage, personal histories, and contemporary experiences of the communities and subjects they capture. From the dynamic scenes of Tucson’s motorcycle community and the serene moments along the Tohono O’odham Nation’s international border to the transformative properties of water and nostalgic imagery from the 1980s, these works contribute to a vibrant tapestry that honors the legacy of Louis Carlos Bernal and the broader cultural landscape of the Southwest.
Special Lecture Event
Lecture Title: Pride of Expression: LatinX Photography and Low Rider Culture Date: Oct. 17, 6 p.m.
Location: Proscenium Theatre, West Campus, Pima Community College
Speaker: Nadiah Rivera Fellah, Associate Curator of Contemporary Art, Cleveland Museum of Art
Special Feature: Display of low riders from Tucson’s Sophisticated Few Car Club
Gallery Information: The gallery and its programs are free and open to the public.
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., and before most evening performances in the Center for the Arts theaters. For additional details, call 520-206-6942 or visit https://www.pimaarts.com/calendar.
Contact:
Carina Garcia, Marketing and Publicity Coordinator
Arts Division - Pima Community College
clisalda@pima.edu, 520-206-3062
David Andres, Gallery Director
dandres@pima.edu, 520-206-6942