A GALLERY FOR FINE PHOTOGRAPHY
322 Royal Street
New Orleans, LA  70117
Telephone 504-568-1313
Fax 504-568-1322
www.agallery.com

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September 13, 1997

THE ETERNAL BODY
Original Photographs by RUTH BERNHARD
October 30, 1997 - January 7, 1997

RECEPTION FOR THE ARTIST
Thursday, OCTOBER 30, 1997
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

At the age of 92, Ruth Bernhard is a living icon in the history of photography.  She has an international reputation for her photographs and is an honored teacher.  Her elegant photographs of the human form and still-lifes of everyday objects form a moving testimony to her unwavering belief in the "connectedness" of everything.  

Born in Germany in 1905, Ruth Bernhard began photographing in 1930 in New York.  
Her work was mainly commercial until a fateful meeting in 1935 with Edward Weston. 
"When I first saw his work I cried. He ran after me with a handkerchief and said 
'Stay for dinner.'"  After meeting him and seeing his photographs her approach changed, becoming more intuitive and artistic.  

In 1953 she settled in San Francisco, becoming friend and colleague to Minor White,
Imogen Cunningham, Dorothea Lange,  Don Worth and Ansel and Virginia Adams. 
In 1961 her teaching career began.  She has taught several generations of photographers and continues to offer her special approach as a "catalyst" to students' creative potential.  

Ruth Bernhard's  irrepressible spirit and approach to life shine through her photographs.   
This retrospective exhibition of 35 original, signed photographs explores all aspects of 
her photographic career.   "My pictures are about awareness. I consider it a great privilege to be a photographer. It is such a joy to make a connection with everything." 

Ruth Bernhard will hold an open discussion at 8:00 pm during the reception on 
October 30, 1997. She will also be available for interviews. Please call for an appointment.
For more information, please call 568-1313.

Books Available:   
The Eternal Body
Gift of the Commonplace