Being a Twin: A Photographic Study of Their Unique Connection New Work by Lesley Nowlin

The Zeitgeist Gallery is proud to announce the upcoming photography exhibit, Being A Twin: A Photographic Study of Their Unique Connection, featuring new work by photographer, Lesley Nowlin. The exhibit, a documentary study of five sets of twins is on view March 9th through March 21st, 2004. The opening reception is Sunday, March 13th, 3-5 p.m.

Cambridge, MA (PRWEB) February 12, 2004 -- The Zeitgeist Gallery is proud to announce the upcoming photography exhibit, Being A Twin: A Photographic Study of Their Unique Connection, featuring new work by photographer, Lesley Nowlin. The exhibit, a documentary study of five sets of twins is on view March 9th through March 21st, 2004. The opening reception is Sunday, March 13th, 3-5 p.m. The exhibit, a collection of images exploring the relationships amongst 5 sets of twins (both identical and fraternal), showcases the intimacy, connection and affect amongst siblings. The fiber-based, selenium-toned, self-made prints culminate a body of work Nowlin developed over 18 months.
   
The five sets cover the gamete of variation: 8-year-old boys from Union Maine (identical); a set of identical adult women from New Hampshire; 3-year-old fraternal boys locally from Cambridge; and one family from Austin, TX with two sets of female identical twins. The younger sets of twins interact with each other differently than they do with their other siblings," says Nowlin, always in close proximity to their twin, physically and mentally."

A fraternal twin herself, Nowlins interest in documenting sets of twins was inspired by a search through adoption and day care agencies, exploring early experiences in the lives of children. According to Nowlin, thinking about children and how they are raised made me realize that personally, being a twin, was the most important factor in my growing up. It has defined who I am." One set of Nowlins twins, 8-year-old boys from Union, Maine-she photographed for 5 days straight. The boys are always wrestling or playing together. Overall, all sets have a great sense of comfort, seemingly without inhibition around each other, compared to other family members, even other siblings."

Comparatively, Nowlin notes this body of work hits closer to home. Although most of my subject matter helps me understand myself and my surroundings, this documentary is more personal to me than anything else. Being a twin is very different than being an individual. Watching other sets has expanded my own view on being a twin."
   
Nowlin believes her camera is a tool for documenting life. She feels her work is about the artistic beauty of everyday life." According to her, a good photo is when you can hear what you are seeing. You can feel the interaction between the subjects. Youre left feeling curious about what else is NOT in the photo." Preferring to work with natural light, Nowlins style reflects her interest in depth of field. Having the whole image in focus plays more on shapes, textures, and most importantly, the surrealism. The eye doesnt see flat, and the camera can capture that," she says. In the darkroom, I play with contrast. Everyday people see in color; not black and white. Black and white is a beautiful tool to enhance textures, tones and structure." In addition to the subject matter of twins, Nowlins photographic interests include cultural exploration, death and dying, children, Day of the Dead, and war protests.

Nowlin is a 4th generation photographer in her family. Her father, grandfather, and great-grandmother all made photographs. Between the family connection and photographic workshops in Santa Fe and Rockport, Maine, she found her passion: documentary and world-wide travel photography. Nowlin, a native of Austin, TX, studied art at the University of Hartfords Art School in West Hartford, CT. Currently, she lives in Somerville.

The Zeitgeist Gallery is located at 1353 Cambridge Street, Inman Square, Cambridge, MA. The gallery is open for viewing Tuesday through Sunday, 1 pm through 6 pm. 617.876.6060.

Ms. Nowlin is available for interview and will be in attendance at the opening reception. High-resolution images available at www.alterartgallery.com/press. The opening reception is free of charge and open to the public. All exhibited artwork is available for sale.
For more information, contact Ami Bennitt, ami.bennitt@verizon.net; 617.876.7363.
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