Sleeper

Ann Pallesen

On view: October 1 – 30, 2002

The Photographic Center Northwest is proud to announce the opening of Sleeper, an exhibition of lith prints made by Ann Pallesen, PCNW’s own Gallery Director. This exhibition is curated by Claire Garoutte, PCNW Director of Education, and Nancy LeVine; both of whom lead PCNW’s thesis program and are award winning and published photographers.

Sleeper reveals Pallesen’s body of work of portraits and explored narratives that are somewhat off kilter and disconcerting — that create a visual diary exploring metaphor and personal history.

A haunting image in her series of a man standing in a flower cooler entitled Paul in Freezer leaves the viewer both slightly perplexed and intrigued. The fluorescent lighting above casts dark shadows on his face, as he stares from behind the glass door with a backdrop of fresh Easter lilies. The text on the glass door reads PLEASE SERVE YOURSELF.

This form of lith printing is not to be mistaken with lith film or lithographic prints from stones. It is an analog printing process in the darkroom. The warm tones, hard shadows and soft highlights of lith prints create a timeless atmosphere of delicacy and nostalgia. There are too many variables to duplicate an exact print each time. Each print is unique. Pallesen shoots with vintage and plastic cameras.

Ann Pallesen has been the Gallery Director of the Photographic Center Northwest since 1996. She has curated and installed over 80 photographic exhibitions.  Ann has scheduled photographers like Keith Carter, Graciela Iturbide, Elliott Erwitt, & Arthur Fellig (Weegee) to exhibit or lecture in Seattle.  Ann received her BFA in photography at Colorado State Universityin 1993. She has exhibited her work at Benham Gallery, Bumbershoot, PCNW and Colorado State University.