AFTER VIEWING ALAN SHEFLAND’S “Architecture AbstrAcTED” photography exhibit at the Owatonna Arts Center, I felt inspired. Inspired to shoot a few architectural images of my own while roaming the West Hills Campus, home to not only the arts center, but also an orphanage museum, city offices and more.
Shefland’s appreciation of the lines, angles, curves, light of buildings resonates with me. I, too, am fascinated by the seemingly abstract art to be found in architecture. These are not just structures constructed for a purpose, but rather art forms.
This New York City born photographer, who is widely-traveled, focuses on the skyscrapers, the city buildings that rise high in the landscape. His current black-and-white photo exhibit features images from New York, Toronto, Minneapolis and more. Today he calls Minnesota home.
Patterns and lines and curves meld to create remarkable abstract images. Modern art. Devoid of color, their impact is stronger, bolder.
As I paged through the gallery guestbook, I agreed with the comment “Awesome exhibit…worth the drive from Mpls!” I only had to travel 12 miles. I feel fortunate to have access to art exhibits like this locally, without going into the Twin Cities metro.
I am not an urban person. I am not well-traveled. Major cities hold no appeal. Yet, I can appreciate that others value densely-populated areas and all they offer. We are each different and that’s a good thing.
Yet, as different as we are, we share interests, like photographing architecture. For Shefland, it’s the architecture in cities. For me, it’s the architecture of small towns. Historic buildings or other structures that catch my interest.
To view Shefland’s photos is to grow my knowledge, my appreciation, my respect for creatives like him. He expands my world, personally and professionally. I can say the same for Keith Goldstein, a talented photographer from New York City. I’ve followed Keith’s blog, “For Earth Below,” for many years. His work is currently exhibiting in Milan. The scope of his photography ranges from architectural to streetscapes to street portraits and more. In a recent photo, he featured colorful Fruit Loops cereal scattered across pavers. Simple. Artsy. Creative.
I find joy in connecting with other photographers, whether online, via gallery exhibits or in-person. To see the world through their lenses enlightens, teaches, encourages me.
FYI: Alan Shefland’s exhibit at the Owatonna Arts Center continues until October 2. Gallery hours are 1 – 5 pm Tuesday through Sunday, closed Mondays and holidays.
Note: I de-saturated all of the images in this post and did minimal photo editing to up the contrast.
© Copyright 2022 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
I love how one artist can inspire another. excellent choice using b/w, really. nice captures here.
Thank you. Yes, we creatives can always learn from one another.
Very interesting black and white images! I like the wrought iron railing one.
Sometimes black-and-white works better than color in presenting art/photos.
Really enjoyed seeing your inspired abstract/architectural photos and the ones on exhibit. I was in Owatonna recently but not long enough to see the exhibit. Thanks for the virtual visit.
Always happy to take you somewhere in your hometown.
Hi Audrey,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review of my work “Architecture Abstracted” at the OAC.
I’m impressed that my work gifted you with a different twist on shooting architecture, your samples are immediately familiar and comfortable to my eye! Well done!
Alan thank you for appreciating my review and also my photos. I’ve emailed you.
Hi Audrey,
I thought I would give you a heads up, The Minnesota Center for the Arts “Making Photos” class, which I instruct, will be having a gallery show at the Owatonna Art Center starting on Apr 2nd.
Alan, that’s great. Thank you for alerting me to this show. I will mark it on my calendar.