- Two European photographers are working on a photography exhibit in Bloomington, Indiana.
- The exhibit will highlight group portraits of Bloomington residents, capturing the city’s distinct character.
- The photographers are requesting community suggestions for groups to photograph.
What does Bloomington uniquely represent? Can a single photograph encapsulate its essence?
These questions drive the vision of professional fine-arts photographers, Jon Tonks and Roman Franc. Originating from Bath, England, and Brno, Czech Republic respectively, they have chosen Bloomington, Indiana, as the site for their first U.S. photography project. This endeavor will culminate in an exhibit at Pictura Gallery.
The Selective Path to Bloomington
Jon Tonks and Roman Franc met at FotoFest in Houston, Texas, in 2014. It was here that they also encountered David and Martha Moore, the owners of Pictura Gallery and the FAR Center for Contemporary Arts in Bloomington. Their collaboration and connection to Bloomington solidified their decision to focus on the city for their project.
Roman Franc lightheartedly mentioned, “We eat fish and chips together,” highlighting the camaraderie between them and their frequent social interactions with Bloomington locals.
Tonks has exhibited at Pictura Gallery twice, showcasing his works “Empire” and “The Men Who Would Be King.” Roman Franc has showcased three exhibits: “Sight Lines,” and group shows “Velvet Generation” and “Never Too Close.”
Lisa Woodward, co-curator at Pictura Gallery, expressed her high regard for both artists’ work. “We have a good, long history with both artists, and high regard for their work,” she said in an email.
Given their positive experiences and established connections, Tonks and Franc decided to return to Bloomington for a joint project, which involves capturing groups representing the city.
Selecting Bloomington’s Archetypal Groups
The photographers recently visited Bloomington again to ascertain which groups they could photograph. They met with various local leaders including ministers, representatives from Indiana University’s Ballet and String Academy, and even the city’s mayor, Kerry Thomson. They were especially excited to witness an Indiana University women’s basketball game.
Potential group subjects include roller skaters, cheerleaders, city officials, firefighters, and even school bus drivers, which Tonks finds intriguing due to their non-existent counterparts in Europe.
The photographers are setting aside time to visit multiple venues until February 19. They encourage community members to offer suggestions by contacting them at info@groupscollective.com.
Photography Schedule and Process
Tonks and Franc plan to return to Bloomington in late April and early May to photograph approximately 15 to 20 groups. They are collaborating with Indiana University photography professor Osamu James Nakagawa, who may assist in the development of their images.
Previous collaborations with IU students are expected to continue, potentially enriching the quality and authenticity of the photographs.
Exhibit Details
The exhibition will debut on June 6 at Pictura Gallery and will be on display through August 30. This date coincides with the Fourth and Rogers Block Party, a public celebration happening outside the gallery. Given its first Friday of the month timing, the exhibit will be part of Gallery Walk.
Lisa Woodward of Pictura Gallery explains, “We’ll have prints on the walls of the gallery from all of the group portraits. The exhibition and the block party are free and open to the public.”
Participants in the group portraits will be invited to the opening. Additionally, Tonks and Franc plan to capture a final group shot of everyone present at the block party.
Tonks and Franc are optimistic about the possibility of extending this project to other U.S. cities if successful.
Community Engagement
The success of this project depends significantly on community participation. By reaching out to local groups and leaders, Tonks and Franc aim to encapsulate the essence of Bloomington through photographs. This is an excellent opportunity for residents to see their city and its people reflected in a unique and artistic manner.
Conclusion
The photography project by Jon Tonks and Roman Franc offers an exciting opportunity to celebrate Bloomington’s diverse community through visual art. The exhibit promises to be a vibrant celebration of the city’s unique character, captured through the lens of these accomplished photographers.
Join the celebration by sharing your ideas for potential group portraits, which can be submitted to info@groupscollective.com. Don’t miss this chance to witness a community-driven artistic endeavor firsthand.
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