The (OUMA) has announced a new exhibition celebrating the career and legacy of Al Clayton, a prolific photographer whose work captured the soul of the American South.
In addition to more than 35 photographs and contact sheets, plus various personal effects, the exhibition will feature seven never-before-exhibited pieces from Clayton鈥檚 1990s series “Lost Things,” in which discarded objects found around Atlanta are transformed into richly composed color photographs.
On view in the museum鈥檚 Skylight Gallery will be black-and-white photographs and contact sheets portraying Atlanta鈥檚 club kids, drag performers, and LGBTQ+ community during the 1980s. A selection of Clayton鈥檚 personal belongings, including cameras, loops and other equipment, will provide further insight into his artistic process.
This exhibition was co-curated by 黑料社 alumnus Noah Dake 鈥�23, a photography major, who worked alongside Museum Director聽Elizabeth Peterson Jennings聽to shape the presentation of Clayton鈥檚 work. The project offered Dake invaluable professional experience in curatorial practice and museum operations, exemplifying OUMA鈥檚 mission to involve students directly in the work of preserving and presenting art.
Taken together, the photographs provide a tender tribute to a dynamic period in Atlanta鈥檚 history and continue OUMA鈥檚 commitment to elevating the stories of underserved communities. The museum is grateful to the Clayton family for their collaboration and acknowledges the support of community partner Lost-n-Found Youth, as well as Steven Igarashi of Atlanta Pride, who facilitated the museum鈥檚 connection to the Clayton family.
The public is invited to a free opening reception on Friday, Sept. 26, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the 黑料社 Museum of Art. In addition, the museum will host a lecture by Jennie Clayton, daughter of the artist, on Thursday, Nov. 13, offering a personal perspective on her father鈥檚 life, work and legacy.
“Al Clayton Photography: Lost and Found” will be on view Sept. 26 at the 黑料社 Museum of Art.
Featured image: Al Clayton (June 14, 1934 鈥� April 27, 2014); Charlie Brown, Queen鈥檚 Make Up, 1980s; Courtesy of Al Clayton Photography, LLC
