Art Show Reflection

I recently went to the Student Art Show in Monty. I went in with an artist's perspective, and tried to apply my knowledge of photography not only to the photographs I saw on display, but also the other forms of art. I know I would not have gone to this show if I was not taking an art class, and I really got a lot out of it, and feel like I understand more about art now.
When I walked in I was automatically drawn to the photographs. The three on the wall to the left as you walked in looked familiar in style to what we have been doing in class. I looked at them not as just a mere observer though, but really thought about the details in the picture. I used the exercise we did with our first project displays in class, and thought about what was shown in the picture, what was not, the lighting, vantage point, aperture, and all the conscious decisions the photographer took in order to produce the final result. The other photographs that stood out to me were the " special places around campus." The thing that I found most intriguing with these photogrpahs was the mounting. They were all mounted on board, but the edges were very rough, and you could even see the wax paper. I knew this could not have been a mistake, or a lazy mounting job because everything in art has a purpose and is symbolic. All of the pictures in this series were mounted the same way. This may be showing the relaxed view the photographer had for these " special places." These are places where someone can be themselved, allow their "rough edges" to show, and not have to impress anyone. The other photographs along the back wall titled " arches of St. Mary's" was also interesting to me. I noticed where the photographer consciously decided to burn and dodge. The arches were very dark in some pictures, and not a lot of detail was shown. I think I would have shown more detail, but I think the darkness pulled the viewer to see beyond the arches, and what was between them. The photographer maybe wanted to allow the viewer to be aware of the different arches around campus, but also the different setting they were in, and the views that were varying. In one picture there was a pickup truck beyond the arches which seemed to take away from the picture. I would have waited until that was gone, but maybe the photographer wanted to show that as a part of St. Mary's , and it could symbolise the work that goes on at St. Mary's, or how things are always moving and changing.
As I walked around the room, I really enjoyed every piece of art. The large colot photograph was very impressive, and I know they must have used a high shutter speed to get such clarity in the moving wings. This photograph made me want to deal with color photographs, and made me wonder the differences in the developing when it comes to black and white and color photography. Some of the art was more abstract than others, and I typically do not understand abstract art. I believe my understanding of photography though has helped me to appreciate all art, and to see the purpse in every decision, stroke, or chisel of wood.
I really enjoyed this exhibit, and it is nice to see art coming from fellow students.