NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Joshua Meier: The Parables

(and other impossible events)

June 4 - September 19, 2010

Artist Reception and Gallery Talk: June 4, 5-8 PM

Missoula, MT / May 3, 2010 / Missoula Art Museum (MAM) / “The power of the parable lies in its ability to speak directly about our reality while existing completely outside of that reality,” states photographer Joshua Meier about his new exhibition of photographs at the Missoula Art Museum. A traditional parable is a succinct story, fictitious in nature and with a moral or religious lesson that touches on a universal truth. Meier carefully and meticulously stages models and props to create his photographs of visual parables. The images certainly evoke surrealism, with dream-like worlds and improbable scenarios, but they are more.  The artist crafts each individual narrative from personal milestones, frustrations, doubts, sadness and joy. “Like a parable,” Meier says, “each image is a distillation of my own reality as it relates to the greater society.”      

This body of work represents 8 years of creative and personal struggle, examination, and growth for Meier. The series began while Meier was living in Missoula and has expanded slowly and intensely for the artist since he and his family moved back to his home state of Oklahoma. As a young photographer, it may seem novel that Meier chooses film and the large format camera to capture his creative narratives but they are an integral part of his creative process. Meier’s keen eye for composition and light is accentuated by the large format, his skillful hand in the darkroom, and creative toning techniques. The resulting images are dreamy and warm; they invite the viewer to a comfortable, nostalgic place to rest and ponder.  

Contact:  For more information please contact the Missoula Art Museum at 406-728-0447, visit the MAM website at www.missoulaartmuseum.org or contact John Calsbeek, Assistant Curator and Preparator, johnc@missoulaartmuseum.org, 406.728.0447 x229.

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About MAM: FREE EXPRESSION / FREE ADMISSION. The Missoula Art Museum strives to engage artists and audience in the creative exploration of contemporary art relevant to our community, state and region. Founded in 1975 and accredited by the American Association of Museums since 1987, MAM showcases diverse and thought-provoking contemporary artwork from local and international artists. Gallery Hours: Wed-Fri, 10AM-5PM, Sat-Sun, 10AM-3PM. Office hours: Mon-Fri, 9AM-5PM.

MAM / 335 North Pattee, Missoula, MT 59802 / t: 406.728.0447 / missoulaartmuseum.org / museum@missoulaartmuseum.org