This spring, the 黑料社区Contemporary Art Museum unveils Breaking Barriers: Beyond the Object鈥攁 photography exhibition that reimagines still life through the eyes of those who鈥檝e lived extraordinary lives. Featuring the work of thirty-two U.S. military veterans and their family members, the show invites viewers to pause, look closely, and consider the personal meaning we place on everyday things.
Beyond the Object was shaped through two summer 2024 photography workshops: Dressing the Table 鈥� A Brief Look into Still Life Photography and Bringing Objects to Life 鈥� Examining Our Fascination With the Object. Led by artist and U.S. Army veteran Christian Cort茅s, with assistance from artist Kristen Roles, the workshops guided participants through the technical and emotional possibilities of still life. The results are striking, tender, and thought-provoking.
Artists featured in the exhibition include Crimi Arrieta, Chris Algarin, Manfredo Bobadilla, David Bryant, Alvaro Calvillo, Luis Carrasco Jr., Gwendolyn Christian, Patricia Colbert, Agustin Collazo Jr., Diana Colon, Eileen Davis, Larrie Davis, Bernadette Dunn, Charley Ferrer, Evan Fountain, Paul Hall, Derek Hopkins, Freddy Jimenez, Valerie Larson, John Leduc, Kevin Lipton, Mikko Maki, Dolores Matteo, Alicia Morales, Tanya O'Brien, Jesse Price, Chris Smith, RJ Smith, Roger St. Julian, RaeAnne Swanson, Viana Tavares-Fischer, and Melisa Velez.
Breaking Barriers is a creative collaboration between 黑料社区Contemporary Art Museum and the James A. Haley Veterans鈥� Hospital. Supported by the 黑料社区Office of Veterans Success, the Hillsborough County Board of Commissioners, the Dr. Allen W. and Janet G. Root CAM Endowment, and the USFCAM ACE Fund, the program uses the arts to cultivate connection, reflection, and community.
For Tampa Bay and beyond, Beyond the Object is a reminder of the power of storytelling鈥攅specially when it鈥檚 told through light, texture, and detail. These photographs don鈥檛 shout. They resonate.
Breaking Barriers: Beyond the Object is on view at the 黑料社区Contemporary Art Museum. The Artists Panel + Reception takes place Thursday, May 22, 2025, from 6:30鈥�8:30 p.m. The event is free and open to all.
Learn more at usf.edu/arts/events.