Our juror selected 45 images for the gallery exhibition, from nearly 2000 entries submitted by photographers throughout the United States and abroad. 50 additional juror selections are on view on our website. A catalog of the gallery exhibition and online images will be available for purchase.
You may view the recorded virtual opening via this Facebook live event to hear the juror, Susan Burnstine, director Ann Jastrab, and the 2021 MJE artists talk about the works in the show. The Exhibition images both in the gallery and online can be seen below along with the list of winner’s chosen by our Juror.
Juror:
Susan Burnstine is an award winning fine art and commercial photographer originally from Chicago now based in Los Angeles. Susan is represented in galleries across the world, widely published throughout the globe and has also written for several photography magazines, including a monthly column entitled American Connection for Black & White Photography Magazine (UK). Burnstine regularly teaches workshops, is a frequent reviewer and has been invited to curate and act as juror many exhibitions for galleries and festivals across the country.
Juror’s statement
The Center of Photographic Arts maintains a special place within my heart, as it was the first organization to exhibit my work in a juried group show many years ago. Thank you to Ann Jastrab and The CPA for allowing my journey to come full circle by inviting me to jury the 2021 Members Exhibition. It was a great honor and privilege.
As an educator, I start my initial classes by asking students how they define what makes a great photograph. The beauty to that question is that there is no definitive answer. Yet there is one attribute I consider a constant, which is that a great photograph is a search for meaning. It starts by asking a question and then proceeds to ask more and more. Regardless of genre, a successful image communicates an authenticity that allows viewers to experience, consider and connect with personally. Consequently, that was the narrow measure used when selecting final images.
The selected images for the 2021 Members Exhibition represent a diverse snapshot of current approaches to image making: from the earliest of historical processes to the latest in digital technology. But what they unanimously realize is the ability to connect, surprise, contemplate and at times provide a much-needed laugh.
Selecting from approximately 2000 images is an immense responsibility that I do not take lightly since it was just fifteen years ago that I was one of the lucky few selected to exhibit at the CPA. With space for only 45 artists in the physical exhibition and 50 artists in the online exhibit, I deliberated over each and every image for days. In the end, I was deeply torn by not being able to include countless submissions I admired. I applaud every photographer who submitted and I thank each of you for your courage to share your vision. I congratulate the selected exhibitors and I thank each one of you for sharing your unique and inspired vision.
—Susan Burnstine
Exhibition Dates: April 10 – May 9, 2021
Exhibition catalog may be purchased in the gallery
