BFA show explores ‘underexposed’ issues

Using the medium of photography to explore sensationalized political issues, this year’s Alternative Photography Show, “Red, White & Underexposed,” will display photographs expressing students’ thoughts and feelings on the issues. 

The show, put on every year by the BFA Department, will take place Friday from 5 to 10 p.m. at 420 North Morton St.

Each student in the department will feature a photograph fitting the theme, as well as work accumulated during the semester.

Though this is a BFA photography show, it is featured in an unexpected location every year.

“We look for spaces that don’t necessarily fit the gallery mold,” senior Chris McFarland said. “It’s an alternative show because it’s an alternative space.”

The idea behind using spaces that aren’t galleries is rehabilitation. Last year’s show was in a building that had been vacant for years before a group of people decided to rent it after visiting the show. That building is now the Middle Way House.

“We try to find spaces that need a little love,” McFarland said.

Aside from carefully selecting a location, the program selects a theme for the show.

The idea for this year’s theme evolved from a meme found on Facebook, McFarland said. The picture was of two gay men kissing in a Chik-fil-A parking lot. The photo was posted on Twitter and tagged Chik-fil-A, filling the company’s feed with the photo.

“That spawned this whole idea of ‘Red, White & Underexposed,’” McFarland said. “Not only the photography pun of underexposing an image but underexposed issues that we feel are really personal to us as individuals.”

The goal of this show is to shed light on “underexposed” issues, according to McFarland.

Photographers participating in the show have taken photos dealing with issues such as the traditional American family, marijuana use, underage drinking and women’s right to choose, according to McFarland.

“We shot one at a women’s clinic in Bloomington, and it was really intense, like speculums and things that women have to deal with every day, every time they go to the gynecologist,” McFarland said.

“It was very awakening for someone who’s never had to deal with it, as a man. The idea that your body is yours and you have the right to choose whether or not to keep your baby.”

McFarland said the idea was brought on by the comment Indiana State Treasurer Richard Mourdock made regarding abortion during the 2012 U.S. Senate race.

As the photos depict rather touchy issues, McFarland said their intent is not to offend anyone.

“They’re definitely very much a satire,” McFarland said.

-Makenzie Holland