Bright City 2020
2nd Street Lane - Macon, GA
On view August 7, 2020 - Spring 2021
A major public art experience bringing light & photography to Macon's unique alleyways, featuring work by local and national photographers.
Featuring: Chance Allen, David Batterman, Chris Burns, Ashley Conlon, Frances de La Rosa, Michael Dove, Sydney Foster, Rachel Gambill, Kristin Hanlin, Curtis Hertwig, Zhairie’ Hightower, Dsto Moore, Matthew Odom, Mark Thompson, and Ruth Stanford & Matthew Maher.
Press
Bright City lights up Downtown Macon - FOX24 WGXA
Bright City illuminates alleyways in downtown Macon - 41 NBC News
Bright City 2.0 shines spotlight on Macon photographers - 13WMAZ
NewTown Macon, Dashboard U.S. plan second iteration of ‘Bright City’ exhibit - Macon Telegraph
GALLERY GUIDE
On NewTown Building
Macon Mixup: Jump, Ruth Stanford and Matthew Maher, 2020
In visiting Macon, I have been impressed by the vibrancy and physical presence of the city’s history and culture. The Bright City public art exhibition showcases, through photography, the diversity of Macon’s culture, talent, and community. The Macon Mixup works were created in response to the photos selected for year two of Bright City. Sampling from elements of architecture, nature, people, and patterns in the 2020 photos, Macon Mixup hopes to capture in bold color a bit of the feel of this Southern gem of a city, its artists, and its inhabitants.
Livin’ In Color, Zhairie’ Hightower, 2018
The model is an extraordinary individual who uses fashion and vibrant colors to express her personality. Although it was taken in November of 2018, "Livin' In Color' captures the essence of the retro 90s style and color and brings it to present-day society.
Coaling Tower at Sunset, Curtis Hertwig, 20120
The Coaling Tower is an iconic part of Macon's skyline from the sky. The glow of the sunset & downtown in the background shows it to its best potential. Did I hear anyone call for a zipline?
Sweet Serenity, Ashley Conlon, 2020
“Sweet Serenity” is a photograph of one of Macon’s beautiful parks, Washington Park. The white clouds, warm greenery, and perfectly rippling fountains couldn’t have been more beautiful if they tried. This is my “sweet serenity,” and I hope it can be yours too.
On Fashion Avenue Building
Ocmuglee Zen, Rachel Gambill, 2020
‘Ocmulgee Zen’ was taken in a dear friend’s Macon-Bibb backyard garden. I was watering the plants when I noticed the sun was hitting just the right spot to form a rainbow. Then I noticed something even more magical- it appeared to be coming out of the Buddha statue! While still watering, I grabbed my camera to capture the moment. To me, it represents the beauty in the mundane. Water plants turned into a magical moment for me, and I hope it does for you too!
Scholar Stone, Fernando La Rosa Memorial Garden, Frances de La Rosa, 2019
In many ancient cultures, stones are revered as a link to the gods, to lost souls, as memory markers, or symbols of nature as alive. On this day, in this place, at this time, this object and its shadow achieved a metaphysical presence, looming over me in a moment of spiritual receiving.
Billy’s Rock, David Batterman, 2020
When we think of our hometowns, it is the secret places we treasure most: the sites traded through insider knowledge and rumor, legend and connections. Billy's Rock has always been one of them, especially to a kid like myself who grew up in Macon, walking railroad tracks, wading through creeks and seeking the hidden and vaguely forbidden areas to be. These secret spots of our childhoods are a universal connection, the locus of the human urge to find the unique and distinctive things about where we live.
Not For Sale, Sydney Foster, 2020
"Not For Sale" is an ode to black hair, black roots, and womanhood. The Red and Black Cowrie Shells woven in between Her hair is a multifaceted symbol. The cowrie shell was once a form of currency until demonetized by Europeans. The form of a cowrie shell's elegant shape represents the female form, its rounded top reminiscent of a pregnant woman’s belly. Thus it is a symbol of fertility. As an African American artist and a woman the cowrie shells resonated deeply with me. While capturing this image it made me realize the power I have as a black woman. I am of power and of value, I cannot be bought and stripped of my power. Because I am everlasting life.
Macon Mixup: Fly, Ruth Stanford and Matthew Maher, 2020
In visiting Macon, I have been impressed by the vibrancy and physical presence of the city’s history and culture. The Bright City public art exhibition showcases, through photography, the diversity of Macon’s culture, talent, and community. The Macon Mixup works were created in response to the photos selected for year two of Bright City. Sampling from elements of architecture, nature, people, and patterns in the 2020 photos, Macon Mixup hopes to capture in bold color a bit of the feel of this Southern gem of a city, its artists, and its inhabitants.
Be You, Dsto Moore, 2019
Dsto Moore is a photographer from Macon, GA, born and raised in the Pleasant Hill Neighborhood. For Bright City, he’s captured a beloved local celebrity.
On The Rookery
Sanctuary, Chance Allen, 2020
A sanctuary is a place that provides safety and nurture for even the smallest of organisms. This wall is a sanctuary of mine, and while out in the town with friends I was immediately drawn to it. It’s beautiful, and ultimately surrounds me with joy and prosperity from the lucid hue that shines from it. Ever since that day, life has poured into me.
The Flower Shop, Kristin Hanlin, 2019
This flower shop is one of my favorite buildings on the walk I frequent to the heart of downtown Macon. I love its bright pink door and the ever-changing display of floral arrangements in its windows. I love when my boyfriend surprises me with one of their bouquets. Local stores like this one are what make Macon such a bright city. Literally and figuratively.
Wini, Matthew Odom, 2020
Seamstress Wini McQueen poses with her African themed scarves.
Portrait of Angel Gomez, Macon Firefighter, Chris Burns, 2020
When I accepted a commission for the Bright City project with the City of Macon, I was planning on traveling to the area before deciding what to photograph. The situation around the COVID-19 pandemic changed these plans. I thought the best way to pursue an honest portrait series during this time was to focus on those members of the Macon community who personally respond to it's emergencies. For me, this project became a vehicle to brighten up downtown Macon, and celebrate the members of its community who go into harm's way.
Heavenly View, Michael Dove, 2020
I wanted to find a location that most people in Macon have seen and could recognize, but I wanted to show it in a way that was unique and new. St. Joseph's Chapel was a perfect candidate. I knew that the interior of the structure was laid out like a cross, so I wanted to take the drone up above it to capture this beautiful symbolism from the sky. This shot is taken just before sunset, delivering that angelic glow onto the church, and making for one spectacular photograph. I would like to think that this perspective delivers a sight that would be similar to a “heavenly view.”
Pelican Perch, William Mark Thompson, 2008
I was with Troop 170/ Macon, GA! My son and I were enjoying Sea Base with the Troop.
“Pelican Perch” was captured using film photography.
Recipient of the Macon Arts Alliance 2020 Cultural Award
Bright City was curated & produced by Dashboard / Presented by NewTown Macon /
Made possible with support from the Community Foundation of Central Georgia