New Tableau: Experiments in Photography

March 15, 2025 – May 31, 2025

OPENING RECEPTION: Saturday, March 15 | 6-8pm
516 ARTS MEMBER'S PREVIEW HOUR: Saturday, March 15 | 5-6pm

In this group exhibition curated by Daniel Ulibarri, New Tableau: Experiments in Photography explores how contemporary artists are returning to the photographic medium's experimental beginnings within the context of modernity. From thermal cameras to alternative darkroom techniques, these artists embrace subtraction, abstraction, amalgamation, unorthodox imaging and non-traditional practices to explore new frontiers.  

New Tableau features nine local and international artists, including Roger Ballen, Stefan Jennings Batista, Ryan Dennison, Jesse Draxler, Derrell Lopez, Emily Margarit Mason, Zuyva Sevilla, Nick Tauro Jr., and Ramona Zordini. Each artist embarks on a journey to strip away the superficial layers of reality, reflecting on the connection between rapid consumption of image-based content and crisis of consciousness on both personal and societal levels. They meticulously peel back the veils of perception, revealing raw emotional weight. Shadows dance across the canvas of reality as the negative space or abstract subject becomes a conduit for profound introspection.

UPCOMING PUBLIC PROGRAMS

Live Performance by Ryan Dennison – April 4, 7pm
Exhibiting artist Ryan Dennison joins us for The Albuquerque Artwalk's First Friday with the performance “Adinídíín ayóó Hahóół’áa Hólǫ́, Hahóół’áa ayóó Adinídíín Hólǫ́ (Light to be Noise, Noise to be Light)” that explores a relationship with “light,” as a conduit, of memory and dream meaning, through cyanotype and art performance.

Curator Tour with Daniel Ulibarri – April 12, 2-4pm
Join us at 516 ARTS as guest curator Daniel Ulibarri guides audiences through the exhibition in an engaged, open discussion of the artwork and themes behind New Tableau.

Polaroid Emulsion Lift Workshop – May 3, 11am-2pm
Get a hands-on experience manipulating Polaroids in unconventional ways through a simple yet unpredictable process known as emulsion lifting. Limited to 10 participants.

The Physical Image: Stefan Jennings Batista, Derrell Lopez, and Emily Margarit Mason in Conversation – May 29, 6-7pm
Exhibiting artists Stefan Jennings Batista, Derrell Lopez, and Emily Margarit Mason discuss their unique photographic processes and how they operate in an era of rapid digital image creation and distribution.

With sponsorship and community support by The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Arts, The City of Albuquerque and The City of Albuquerque's Arts & Culture Department, the FUNd at the Albuquerque Community Foundation, PNM Resources Foundation, the Ford Foundation, the FUNd at the Albuquerque Community Foundation, the Rio Metro Regional Transit District/New Mexico Rail Runner Express, Risolana, Picture Perfect, and Bookworks.