The Newman University Steckline Gallery will present “Wild Mustang Relocation – Flint Hills,” by Wichita photographer Ze Bernardinello as the third show of its 2010-2011 season. The exhibit, which begins with a reception from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 29, will be on display through Nov. 19. Both the reception and admission to the gallery are free and open to the public.
The Steckline Gallery will also host an “Art for Lunch” event about the exhibit on Tuesday, Nov. 30. A light lunch is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are not required for this free event.
Ze Bernardinello, who teaches photography at Newman in addition to her other photography work, holds a deep affection for the Flint Hills.
“As a child, I would ride with my father to check our cattle in the pasture. The herd and the hills seemed endless,” said Bernardinello.
The opportunity to photograph the wild mustangs arose when the Bureau of Land Management relocated them to the Flint Hills.
“I have chosen to document this relocation project as a part of our midwestern American history, without political opinion,” Bernardinello said. “I am capturing the first moments of the mustangs on their new land and their continued solidarity as a herd.”
Bernardinello used several different techniques to capture the feel and historical significance of the moment. Sepia and black and white images were utilized to create a sense of timelessness and the prints were made on various fine art papers and canvases to emphasize texture.
“The prints are large,” she said, “because space is central to this project. I take great care in selecting and processing my prints.”
The Steckline Gallery is located inside the De Mattias Fine Arts Center on the Newman campus, 3100 McCormick. The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., or by appointment. For more information, call 316-942-4291, ext. 2199.
