Andy Richter: Serpent in the Wilderness
Exhibition: May 31 – July 1, 2018
Reception: Friday, June 1st – 5:30 to 8:30pm
Artist Talk & Book Signing: Saturday, June 2nd, 6-8pm
From the Artist:
Serpent in the Wilderness is a photographic exploration of yoga. This ancient Indian science has deep roots in Hindu mythology and doctrine, yet today it is mainstream, global and growing in popularity. In Sanskrit, the word ‘yoga’ signifies connection or union and is associated with heightened awareness of oneself. It is a set of practices for realization and a state of being. While the external form and the context may vary–from turban-wearing Sikhs of the kundalini tradition, to chanting bhakti yogis of the Krishna Consciousness movement, to spandex clad urban yogis sweating in the studio—all practices point toward greater awareness, a peaceful mind, a healthy body and a compassionate heart.
Today in the United States, the number of yoga practitioners has increased to more than 36 million, up from 20.4 million in 2012. Soldiers returning form conflict zones are practicing Transcendental Meditation to deal with Post Traumatic Stress. Prisoners are transforming their relationship to anger and violence through yoga. Scientific research continues to support the mental, emotional and physiological benefits of yoga and meditation. Over five years, I have traveled to places that are historically relevant to its past and others that embody its present. From living rooms across America to ashrams and caves throughout India, the work reveals hidden layers and rarely seen dimensions of yoga.
Despite yoga’s worldwide growth and appeal, understanding and media attention tends to be superficial, focused on celebrity yogis, or on the physical, commercial, and health aspects of the practice. Yet this project suggests it is something more: a profound spiritual path and way of life that transcends limitations and cultural barriers.
About the Artist:
Andy Richter is an award-winning photographer who has worked in over 40 countries. A visual storyteller at heart, he serves clients who understand that emotionally-honest and authentic visual content inspires audiences to act. Whether shooting for a major brand, a national publication, or an international NGO, his photographs deliver a clear vision that cuts through the noise and connects.
Andy’s work has been exhibited internationally and he has received numerous awards and been recognized by American Photography, Photolucida, the Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University, and the International Photography Awards. He is a recent recipient of the Minnesota State Arts Board Artist Initiative Grant. His first monograph, Serpent in the Wilderness, is now available from Kehrer Verlag. Order directly from the artist here.
Selections from the Exhibition:
