UpDate - Vol. 14, No. 1, Page 5
September 1, 1994
Photography, archaeology in gallery exhibit

     Two complementary exhibitions examining photography's startling
influence on the science of archaeology will open the fall season at
the University Gallery.
     "The Mayan Journey," a site-specific installation by Venezuelan
artist Sandro Oramas, and "Photography in the Time of Archaeology:
From the Collections of Sandro Oramas and the University Gallery" will
provide the viewer with both historical and contemporary perspectives
on the way archaeology has been changed by the discovery of
photography.
     The exhibitions open with a reception from 4:30-7 p.m. on
Wednesday, Sept. 7. A lecture by the distinguished artist/collector is
scheduled during the reception staring at 5:30 p.m.
     Sandro Oramas was raised in both Europe and South America and the
cultural mix of his upbringing now greatly influences his work.
     Oramas' work has been exhibited in South America, Europe and the
U.S. and is included in such major international collections as the
Polaroid Corp. and the Bibliotheque Nationale in Paris.
     "The Mayan Journey" is a series of photographs made at the Mayan
ruins of Tikal, Chichen Itza and Uxmal in Mexico. It provides a
haunting record of ancient Mayan culture. Confronted by only
archaeological remains, Oramas captures a brief glimpse of the Mayas'
past grandeur from the realm of shadows that are left.
     This exhibition focuses on the historical antecedents and the
iconographic representation of archaeological themes throughout the
history of photography. The University Gallery is located on the
second floor of Old College. Gallery hours are 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Mondays
through Fridays, and 1-5 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays.
     The University Gallery is wheelchair accessible, and individuals
with special needs are encouraged to call 831-8242 for assistance.
University Gallery programs are made possible in part by the Delaware
Division of the Arts. Events are free and open to the public.