Scott Peterman: Photographs

May 15 - August 14, 2004

I'm interested in these shacks for the way that they illustrate a primal narrative whose elements are simply shelter, food, warmth and an ongoing battle against the caprices of nature. They are entirely utilitarian in their purpose, using lightweight windproof materials, such as foam insulation, sheet metal, plastic, or wood, yet put together in surprisingly ingenious ways, appearing as crude minimalist sculpture.

Peterman photographs in foggy, rainy, or snowy conditions; his images are nearly monochromatic. The distance from the huts to his 8 x 10-inch view camera is both one of respect for the occupant and his or her sport, and one that minimizes the hut's scale so they appear more like a work of minimal art than a functional piece of architecture. The central placement of the hut enhances the static and dreamy nature of his images.

Image: Scott Peterman, Naples, Type C Photograph, 20x24, courtesy of the artist

Funded in part by ExxonMobile, the National Advisory Board of the UW Art Museum and the Wyoming Arts Council through the National Endowment for the Arts and the Wyoming State Legislature.