Exhibit Reveals “My So-Called Digital Life” Reception on May 14

Jackson, WY-  Do you remember what it was like to be in the eighth grade? A new exhibit, featuring more than 100 digital photos from approximately 30 students, creates a snapshot of everyday school life for 13 to 14 year-olds.

Student photographers from two Jackson Hole Middle School eighth-grade art classrooms invite the community to an Opening Reception for the documentary photo exhibit “My So-Called Digital Life” on Wednesday, May 14 from 5:30-7 p.m. at Teton County Library’s Exhibit Gallery. The project is sponsored by the Charles Engelhard Foundation, Jackson Hole Middle School and Teton County Library Foundation, and the exhibit is on view at the library through June 24.

The concept for the exhibition was based on a book and project by the same title, “My So-Called Digital Life:  2,000 Teenagers, 300 Cameras, and 30 Days to Document Their World” authored by Bob Pletka, with images created by students in southern California.

“I thought it would be a great opportunity for kids to express themselves, and tell a story using technology,” says Allie Gillen the library’s Teen Program Coordinator.

Gillen discussed the idea with Jackson Hole Middle School teacher Wendy Rominger, who was already planning a “digital design” component in her curriculum. Bronwyn Minton and Amy Goicoechea, from the National Museum of Wildlife Art, helped prep the teens by presenting ideas about photo composition, the importance of perspective, and how a photo can tell a story without words.

The result is an untraditional exhibit of more than 100 laminated images 8 ½  x 11 inches large, hung in columns to represent each students’ visual story. Viewers can expect to see typical subject matter, such as hallways, school lockers and pizza, but from an atypical perspective.

“Photographers chose to exploit interesting angles and perspectives, for instance they might have taken a close-up shot of a friend’s hands rather than shooting a portrait,” said Gillen.

Artist statements will explain what the photographers had in mind when they took photos. The students also chose the menu for the opening reception, which will feature foods such as pizza and Buffalo wings.

###
Teton County Library offers open and equal access to information, literature and ideas…to encourage a lifetime of learning, to strengthen our evolving community, to inspire us all.