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La Isla Bonita: Dive into Cuba gives local photographer spot in museum
Jan 3, 2005 8:00 AM
By Tannika King - Faculty
When Wright Ledbetter ('85) took a photo of a young Cuban boy diving into the Caribbean Sea in 1997, he never imagined that image would come to represent him in the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Ledbetter's photo, titled "Diving off the Malecon," is just part of a project he undertook which spanned four years and included five trips to Cuba.
"I'm a social documentary photographer," Ledbetter said. "This trip came about because, at the time, I was unable to finalize plans to go to Vietnam, so I went to Cuba instead."
Ledbetter said he fell in love with the country, culture and especially the people. His project consisted of three different perspectives: environmental portraits, street photography and social landscape. These elements combined to create what Ledbetter calls a visual narrative.
It was only after he returned from Cuba and saw the images he had captured, that he realized his personal project could become a book. After publishing "Cuba: Picturing Change," Ledbetter was approached by a representative of the Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia in Atlanta.
After reviewing his work, the museum's board added "Diving Off the Malecon" to their permanent collection.
"I made that image in July of 1997," Ledbetter said. "It was my first trip to Cuba. I approached a group of boys diving at the seaside, and I motioned for them to continue. It was late afternoon, and the very first picture I took turned out to be the best."
Ledbetter said since the Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia was established to support and exhibit local artists, it means a great deal to him to be included in their collection.
"This institution, that I respect greatly, has found value in the work that I've done," he said. "It's a blessing and an honor to be the first person from Rome to be accepted there. My photography is a very special part of my life. This is one of the greatest thrills of my life."
"Cuba: Picturing Change" is a 208-page, hardbound book with 110 duotone images which capture intimate relationships Ledbetter formed with the people of Cuba. His photographs capture a warm people in uncertain times. The book can be purchased at Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble Booksellers. To see more of Ledbetters photography, visit his Web site.
Ledbetter also has an upcoming local show. Beginning Jan. 13, his "Vietnam: Rising" will be on display at Shorter College's Arnold Gallery through Feb. 10. The opening reception will be held Thursday, Jan. 13, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the gallery.
He will also be included in a group exhibition at Pennsylvania's Lehigh University titled "Viajeros: North American Artist/Photographers Images of Cuba."
"I think my experience with and among the Cuban people was an extremely powerful one," he said. "The photos reveal the true connection I made with the people and with the land itself."
*Written by Severo Avila, Rome News-Tribune Staff Writer, published 12/23/2004
Ledbetter's photo, titled "Diving off the Malecon," is just part of a project he undertook which spanned four years and included five trips to Cuba.
"I'm a social documentary photographer," Ledbetter said. "This trip came about because, at the time, I was unable to finalize plans to go to Vietnam, so I went to Cuba instead."
Ledbetter said he fell in love with the country, culture and especially the people. His project consisted of three different perspectives: environmental portraits, street photography and social landscape. These elements combined to create what Ledbetter calls a visual narrative.
It was only after he returned from Cuba and saw the images he had captured, that he realized his personal project could become a book. After publishing "Cuba: Picturing Change," Ledbetter was approached by a representative of the Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia in Atlanta.
After reviewing his work, the museum's board added "Diving Off the Malecon" to their permanent collection.
"I made that image in July of 1997," Ledbetter said. "It was my first trip to Cuba. I approached a group of boys diving at the seaside, and I motioned for them to continue. It was late afternoon, and the very first picture I took turned out to be the best."
Ledbetter said since the Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia was established to support and exhibit local artists, it means a great deal to him to be included in their collection.
"This institution, that I respect greatly, has found value in the work that I've done," he said. "It's a blessing and an honor to be the first person from Rome to be accepted there. My photography is a very special part of my life. This is one of the greatest thrills of my life."
"Cuba: Picturing Change" is a 208-page, hardbound book with 110 duotone images which capture intimate relationships Ledbetter formed with the people of Cuba. His photographs capture a warm people in uncertain times. The book can be purchased at Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble Booksellers. To see more of Ledbetters photography, visit his Web site.
Ledbetter also has an upcoming local show. Beginning Jan. 13, his "Vietnam: Rising" will be on display at Shorter College's Arnold Gallery through Feb. 10. The opening reception will be held Thursday, Jan. 13, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the gallery.
He will also be included in a group exhibition at Pennsylvania's Lehigh University titled "Viajeros: North American Artist/Photographers Images of Cuba."
"I think my experience with and among the Cuban people was an extremely powerful one," he said. "The photos reveal the true connection I made with the people and with the land itself."
*Written by Severo Avila, Rome News-Tribune Staff Writer, published 12/23/2004
