National Geographic photographer Sam Abell debuts “Amazonia” exhibition at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art
The exhibition, "Amazonia," will feature more than 50 full-color photographs and commentary by National Geographic photographer Sam Abell, and additional photos and text by the Danish wildlife photographer Torben Ulrik Nissen. "Amazonia" will run from Jan. 17 through May 2. An opening reception will be at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 16, at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art.
Curated by JSMA executive director Jill Hartz, "Amazonia" documents one of the world's greatest remaining natural ecosystems- the headwaters of the Amazon River in Peru.
"Untouched ecosystems are the lungs of our world, and we destroy their forests and pollute their waters at our own peril," said Hartz. "This project explores themes of sustainability, ecology and man's impact on the natural world."
Beginning in 2003, Abell traveled along the Amazon taking photographs of its wild beauty. The images by Abell and Nissen provide viewers with rare insight into a remote and untouched landscape and the creatures that inhabit its rainforest and waters.
"Abell and Nissen adhered to the strictest standards of traditional documentary photography. As a result, we see what they saw-- nothing more or less," said Hartz.
Abell has been a photographer for National Geographic since 1970. In 1990, Eastman Kodak published a book of his work titled "Stay This Moment: The Photographs of Sam Abell," in conjunction with an exhibition at New York City's International Center of Photography of that same year. Currently, Abell is working with Radius Press, which plans to publish a 16-volume set titled "Sam Abell Library" beginning in fall 2010 with the first four volumes. 
Public programs are planned in conjunction with the exhibit to provide opportunities for individuals to learn more about the exhibition and the artists through lectures, films and free family-oriented events. Those interested can take a master's photography critique, attend a lecture by a UO journalism professor who recently authored a book about the Galapagos Islands, listen to nature-inspired chamber music by UO music faculty and students, and participate in family art day events.
"Amazonia" is supported by the Oakwood Foundation with additional support from Canon USA, Carol Angle, Ruth Cross, Robert Strini, Linda Wachtmeister and Sharon Ungerleider. Cosponsored at the University of Oregon by the Coeta and Donald Barker Foundation, Photography at Oregon and JSMA members.
About the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art
The University of Oregon's Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art is a premier Pacific Northwest visual arts center for exhibitions and collections of historic and contemporary art based in a major university setting. The mission of the museum is to enhance the University of Oregon's academic mission and to engage a broad and diverse public in the appreciation and enjoyment of the visual arts. The JSMA features significant collections galleries devoted to art from China, Japan, Korea, America and, the Pacific Northwest, and Orthodox icons, as well as changing exhibition galleries. The JSMA is one of six museums in Oregon accredited by the American Association of Museums.
The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art is located on the University of Oregon campus at 1430 Johnson Lane. Museum hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesdays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays through Sundays. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for senior citizens. Free admission is given to ages 18 and under, JSMA members, college students with ID, and University of Oregon faculty, staff and students. For information, contact the JSMA, 541-346-3027.
About the University of Oregon
The University of Oregon is a world-class teaching and research institution and Oregon's flagship public university. The UO is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), an organization made up of the 62 leading public and private research institutions in the United States and Canada. The University of Oregon is one of only two AAU members in the Pacific Northwest.
Contacts: Erick Hoffman, 541-346-3162, erickh@uoregon.edu
Link: Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, http://jsma.uoregon.edu
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