Arts and Entertainment

New Kensington art gallery features photographer Lathan Gross in February

'Forgotten' spotlights derelict objects

A rusted out car headlight.is a part of photographer Lathan Gross' exhibit, "Forgotten," which runs through Feb. 27, in the Penn State New Kensington Art Gallery. Credit: Grossfotos StudioAll Rights Reserved.

“My design is to capture a phase of the remains; a beautiful bouquet of beat-up, broken down, and decaying matter.” – Lathan Gross

UPPER BURRELL, Pa. – Penn New Kensington continues the art genre of resurrecting old material with an exhibit by photographer Lathan Gross than runs from Feb.1 to 27 in the campus Art Gallery.

Gross’ show, “Forgotten,” is a series of photos of forsaken buildings, structures and vehicles that were abandoned and left to the whims of Mother Nature. Where others see junk, Gross, through the perspective of a camera lens, sees a creative asset.

“My work is an exploration of the old, the decaying, the broken down, and the forgotten,” said Gross, who resides in Pittsburgh. “Photography is a matter of perspective, and beauty can be found in all things, especially those things left and lost.”

The art gallery’s January exhibit, "Found,” highlighted artist Michael Bestwick’s style of re-purposing scrap materials to create sculptural and functional pieces.

A mechanical designer by trade, Gross developed a passion for photography that evolved into an avocation. The self-taught photographer shoots urban and suburban Pittsburgh and is always on the lookout for off-the-wall places where he can showcase the diversity and character of the city. Last year, he founded Grossfotos, a company that serves as a warehouse for his work. Prints are available on paper, canvas and wood.

“Things most people dismiss as junk are really quite beautiful,” Gross said. “I love capturing this beauty through my lens.”

Gross is a member of Raw Artists, an international organization that caters to emerging artists. The group provides the tools, resources and exposure, such as multi-media shows and an online network. Since 2013, Raw has promoted more than 30,000 artists. Worldwide, RAW operates in over 60 cities, including Pittsburgh.

A native of York, Pennsylvania, Gross moved to Pittsburgh in 2012. He lives with his partner, Danielle, and their dog, Ruby.

A reception for the artist is set from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5, in the gallery. The reception and exhibit are free to the public. The gallery is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays, and noon to 5 p.m., weekends.

For more on the exhibit, contact Tina Sluss, art gallery director, 724-334-6056, tms57@psu.edu

For more on Grossfotos, visit http://lathangross.foliohd.com/

Artist Lathan Gross sees the beauty in discarded objects. Credit: RAW: Natural Born ArtistsAll Rights Reserved.

Last Updated January 28, 2016

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