Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art

Step into "Picture This: Recent Acquisitions," a captivating exhibition at MOPA at SDMA!

This showcase draws from over a thousand photographs received as gifts in the last three years, celebrating the recent merger of the Museum of Photographic Arts and The San Diego Museum of Art. Our combined collection now boasts over fifteen thousand works of photography, video, and new media.

Discover a diverse range of processes spanning nearly two hundred years, from anonymous nineteenth-century photographers to renowned artists like Berenice Abbott, Martín Chambi, Mary Ellen Mark, Arnold Newman, Alison Rositer, Aaron Siskind, Mike and Doug Starn, Louise Dahl Wolfe, and many more. Organized into three sections—Portraiture, Abstraction/Manipulation, and Modernism—this exhibition illustrates that a photograph is truly worth a thousand words.

“Picture This: Recent Acquisitions” on view now through September 1.

What goes on in the house.

Holly Roberts' “Blue House” explores the struggle of trying to do what's best while grappling with fears and anxieties of both the known and unknown. It reflects the faith and doubt in being a good parent, spouse, partner, or friend, and the mysteries of what happens inside that house—good, bad, or indifferent.

Explore more of Holly Roberts’ work in “Storyteller: Work by Holly Roberts” on view at MOPA at SDMA now through Sept 1.

Featured:
Holly Roberts, “Blue House,” 2016. Mixed media collage. © Holly Roberts.

Hermosa.

"Hermosa" is a portrait of Cara Romero's daughter, Crickett Tiger (Muscogee Creek/Cochiti), at Hermosa Beach, adorned in regalia by California artist Leah Mata-Fragua. Captured at sunset with a surprise wave, this powerful image evokes the Chemehuevi creation story of Great Ocean Woman (Hutsipamamow). It stands as a counter-narrative to the erasure and genocide of California First Peoples, honoring the sacred landscapes of Tovaangar. This photograph, part of a series displayed on billboards across Los Angeles in 2021, became a healing space of remembrance during quarantine, visualizing the Indigenous worldview that these places remain holy.

See this powerful work in the solo exhibition "The Artist Speaks: Cara Romero" on view now through October 20.

Featured: Cara Romero, “Hermosa,” 2021. Archival pigment print. © Cara Romero.

“One of the seven deadly sins is envy, not jealousy, but close enough…The two cross over in my mind, and lay on top of each other, like dead, smelly fish. I am burdened, a lot, by the combo. I'm jealous of people I know, people I've never seen, dead people from history. I'm envious of friends and family members, even people that I feel sorry for.” Holly Roberts on “Jealous” (2009).

Explore the various themes of sin, nature, animals, and more in “Storyteller: Work by Holly Roberts” at MOPA@SDMA.

Featured:
Holly Roberts, “Jealous,” 2009. Mixed media collage. © Holly Roberts.

Capturing the scenery and the heart.

Landscapes, the most static of subjects, let us compose an image without the risk of things changing too quickly. Whether it’s a sweeping view on the latest road trip or an iconic spot in a national park, the camera has always made the perfect tool for capturing the natural world.

Fun Fact: Some of the earliest photographs are landscape shots as it allowed for the long exposure necessary!

Featured:
Myoung Ho Lee, “Tree #2,” 2011. Archival inkjet print. MoPA - Collection of Museum of
Photographic Arts. Gift of the Lawrence Friedman Trust, M.2021.007.010.

The zenith is the highest point on the celestial sphere, directly above.

This photograph features George Alexander (Mvskoke Creek) floating among indigenous white corn in "space," symbolizing the futurity of our foodways. It reminds us that in an indigenous future, our past accompanies us, highlighting the permanence of certain cultural elements amid constant change.

“The Artist Speaks: Cara Romero” is on view now at MOPA@SDMA in Balboa Park.

Featured: Cara Romero, “The Zenith,” 2022. Archival Pigment Print. © Cara Romero.

“It's been an interesting journey for me, revisiting these older images. I have been absolutely astonished at their power and beauty--their strength and complexity.” ~Holly Roberts on “Man at the Table” (1995).

During last week’s Opening Reception followed by a guided tour and lecture, Holly Roberts gave us insight into her life, art-making process, and inspiration behind her work. This captivating experience offered a deeper understanding into the creative journey and the mind behind the art.

See the artwork in “Storyteller: Work by Holly Roberts” at MOPA at SDMA today!

A rather elegant pose for an elegant photo case.

Beautifully crafted 19th-century cases highlight the significance of early portraits. Originally collected for their unique thermoplastic "Union Cases," introduced in 1853, each mold design tells a unique story. These cases, made from a “union” of gum shellac, wood fiber, and dye, showcase the artistry and history of early photography.

See a selection of Union Cases and photographs at the “Picture This: Recent Acquisitions” exhibition on view through September 1.

Featured:
Ambrotype on thermoplastic case. MoPA - Collection of Museum of Photographic Arts. Gift of Martha Griesbach and Barbara Westrum in memory of their mother, Dorothy Westrum, M.2023.001.075

Look Into the Future.

“The Artist Speaks: Cara Romero” showcases the artist's visceral approach to representing cultural memory, collective history, and lived experience from a female Native American perspective.

Romero shares about this work, "Gikendaaso," 2022: "In a future where the world needs the wisdom of indigenous women more than ever, this image features Leah Kolakowski (Keweenaw Bay Ojibwe). In Leah's Native language, gikendaaso means s/he knows, is smart, is intelligent, is educated. Look close, appearing as reflections in her glasses, are images of Keweenaw powwow dances in the woods--a tradition that has been danced for hundreds of years in this place. Here we envision they will still be taking place far into the future."

The Native worldview of time is nonlinear, and so time becomes past, present, and future all at once.

“The Artist Speaks: Cara Romero” is on view now at MOPA@SDMA in Balboa Park.

Featured: Cara Romero, “Gikendaaso,” 2022. Archival Pigment Print. © Cara Romero.

One painting at a time.

Join us for an enlightening session with renowned artist Holly Roberts, hosted by The San Diego Museum of Art Docent Council. Delve into the world of this pioneering artist whose mastery of blending photography and painting has captivated audiences for over four decades. From her unique techniques to her deep connection with nature, Roberts' work pushes boundaries and invites contemplation.

During this exclusive event, Roberts will provide insight into her creative process and the inspirations behind her evocative pieces. Plus, don't miss the opportunity to meet the artist herself and get your copy of, "Storyteller: Work by Holly Roberts," signed by the artist.

🎫This is an in-person lecture. Tickets available online.

Serpents and Rabbits and Birds and Elephants

Known for her captivating exploration of nature and imperfection, Holly Roberts' art is filled with recurring subjects like snakes, dogs, birds, horses, and rabbits. From painting directly onto photographs to cutting and shaping them into transformative forms, her work reflects a deep connection to both human and animal nature.

“Storyteller: Works by Holly Roberts” on view now.

Featured:

Holly Roberts, “Snake Rider (Medusa),” 2015. Mixed media collage. © Holly Roberts, Courtesy of Holly Roberts.

Holly Roberts, “Rabbit Reaching,” 2017. Mixed media collage. © Holly Roberts, Courtesy of Holly Roberts.

Holly Roberts, “Walking Bird,” 2008. Mixed media collage. © Holly Roberts, Courtesy of Holly Roberts.

Holly Roberts, “Elephant Preaching,” 2013. Mixed media collage. © Holly Roberts, Courtesy of Holly Roberts.

Holly Roberts, “Elephant with Chain,” 2014. Mixed media collage. © Holly Roberts, Courtesy of Holly Roberts.

Vintage essence

Passion, compulsion, and a thirst for knowledge drive collecting. Barbara Westrum and Martha Greisbach honor their mother, collector Dorothy Westrum, with a gift of 986 cases and 429 early photographs. This legacy allows our museum to preserve and share this pivotal moment in photography history. Explore themes from military to mythology in pristine cases housing early processes like daguerreotypes and tintypes. Each image offers a glimpse into the importance of 19th-century portraiture.

☀️Native California

Embark on a journey through Cara Romero's "Native California" series, where she intertwines the past and present landscapes of Indigenous life. Witness the fusion of contemporary Indigenous lifeways with rich Native American history, all captured from within the culture itself. Romero's powerful representations challenge historical narratives and offer a vibrant glimpse into thriving, modern Indigenous lives in the region.

Featured:
Cara Romero, "Weshoyot," 2021. Archival pigment print. © Cara Romero

Cara Romero, "Towük Kani (We Are Home)," 2023. Archival pigment print. © Cara Romero

Cara Romero, "Oil & Gold," 2021. Archival pigment print. © Cara Romero

Don't miss ' 2024 GI Film Festival San Diego happening May 6-11 at the MOPA@SDMA Joan and Irwin Jacobs Theater!

With 20+ films at this year's GI Film Festival San Diego — there's something for everyone.

Buy your tickets and check out the full lineup at gifilmfestivalsd.org

Step into the captivating world of artist Holly Roberts.

With over four decades of exploration into her rich inner world, Roberts seamlessly merges painting and photography, creating mesmerizing narratives. From the depths of inner turmoil to mythological symbolism, her work delves into the imperfections of our world.

Don't miss the chance to experience Roberts' transformative art at our in her solo exhibition, "Storyteller: Work by Holly Roberts." On view now through September 1.

Put a pin in it!

Happy Pinhole Photography Day! Pinhole photography captures the essence of simplicity and creativity. With just a light-proof box and a pinhole, witness the magic of capturing images with the most basic of tools. From crafting homemade cameras to embracing the unpredictable outcomes, pinhole photography invites you to slow down, appreciate the process, and discover the beauty in the art of light and shadow.

To learn more about Pinhole Photography, visit our website and access the “In Process: Pinhole Photography” page under Learn.

See examples of Pinhole Photography in our new exhibition, “Picture This: Recent Acquisitions,” now on view at MOPA@SDMA.

Featured:
Josef Sudek, “Approaching Spring ­­– A Calm Day.” 1940-45. Gelatin silver print. Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art; Gift of Jerry Gardner, M.2023.004.096.

Dive into the vibrant world of Cara Romero, where identity and heritage intertwine in powerful imagery. As an enrolled citizen of the Chemehuevi Indian Tribe, Romero draws from her upbringing in both the Mojave Desert reservation and the urban landscape of Houston, Texas. Through her lens, she breathes life into cultural memory and collective history, offering a unique perspective from a female Native American standpoint.

Explore Romero's exploration of identity and heritage through her captivating exhibition, divided into three sections: 'Native California,' 'Imagining Indigenous Futures,' and 'Native Woman.' With theatrical compositions and vivid colors, Romero serves as a storyteller, shedding light on the modernity of Indigenous culture and the supernatural woven into everyday life.

“The Artist Speaks: Cara Romero” opens Saturday, April 27 at MOPA@SDMA.

Featured:
Cara Romero, “Naomi,” 2017. Archival pigment print. © Cara Romero

“There’s nothing more interesting than the landscape of the human face” – Irvin Kershner

From the dawn of photography to the 20th century's innovative approaches, this exhibition showcases a myriad of styles and techniques.

Explore daguerreotypes to modern conceptual works, formal studio portraits to documentary snapshots. Featuring renowned figures and everyday individuals, witness the rich diversity of photographic processes and the medium's enduring relevance.

“Picture This: Recent Acquisitions” now on view at MOPA@SDMA.

Take home the narratives and storytelling you enjoyed from the “Storyteller: Works by Holly Roberts” exhibition with souvenirs from the MOPA@SDMA Store!

From the exhibition catalogue to magnets and plates, there’s something for everyone!

Visit the MOPA@SDMA store on your next visit to the Museum.

"There is no abstract art. You must always start with something. Afterward you can remove all traces of reality."
-Pablo Picasso

Abstraction in photography transcends the constraints of reality, focusing instead on the interplay of form, color, and composition. Pioneers like Minor White, Harry Callahan, and Aaron Siskind skillfully manipulated light, texture, and perspective to unveil new dimensions of visual expression.

Since its inception, photography has been a canvas for manipulation and innovation. From early hand-tinting techniques to modern digital innovations, the evolution of photography has been marked by a continual exploration of artistic boundaries.

See examples of Abstraction in photography in our new exhibition, “Picture This: Recent Acquisitions,” now on view at MOPA@SDMA.

Featured:
Myoung Ho Lee, “Tree #2.” 2011. Archival inkjet print. Museum of Photographic Arts at the San Diego Museum of Art; Gift of the Lawrence Friedman Trust, M.2021.007.010.

Doug and Mike Starn, “Structure of Thought 18.” 2001-07. Epson K3 Ultrachrome inkjet print. Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art; Gift of the Lawrence Friedman Trust, M.2021.007.003.

“I photograph the things that I do not wish to paint, the things which already have an existence.”
~Man Ray

From the early 1900s to the 1930s, photographers embarked on a journey of innovation, breaking free from traditional norms. Various movements emerged, from straight photography in the US that aimed to capture a scene in sharp focus to the avant-garde Russian Constructivist approach. These artists sought to capture the essence of industrial and social upheaval, often utilizing their work for propagandist purposes. Meanwhile, in France, Surrealism took hold, delving into the depths of the unconscious through art.

Regardless of the movement, these photographers deliberately turned away from the pictorialist tradition, aiming to showcase the true essence of photography's potential as an art form.

From the urban landscapes of Berenice Abbott to the experimental works of Andre Kertesz, Vilem Reichmann, and Milos Korecek, the energy of their images reflects the radical changes occurring in Europe and the United States during this transformative period

“Picture This: Recent Acquisitions” now on view at MOPA@SDMA.

Featured:
Martin Chambi, “Untitled (Stonework at Machu Picchu, Cuzco).” 1940. Gelatin silver print. Gift of Forrest D. Colburn, 2022.8.
Vilem Reichmann, “Encounter in Trummern.” 1946. Gelatin silver print. MoPA - Collection of Museum of Photographic Arts. Gift of Jerry Gardner, M.2023.004.073.
Josef Bartuska, “Wintertime.” 1930. Gelatin silver print. MoPA - Collection of Museum of Photographic Arts. Gift of Jerry Gardner, M.2023.004.104.

“Sometimes reality is too complex. Stories give it form.” ~Jean-Luc Godard

Journeying through her soul's landscape for over four decades, American artist Holly Roberts seamlessly blends painting and photography, delving into the depths of her inner world. Through her narrative-rich art, from confronting inner demons to exploring mythological symbolism, Roberts navigates the imperfections of existence. Snakes, dogs, birds, horses, and rabbits populate her canvas, each telling a story of their own. With a background in printmaking, painting, and photography, Roberts continues to redefine the boundaries of visual storytelling.

Explore five decades of Roberts’ work in her solo exhibition “Storyteller: Works by Holly Roberts” opening this Saturday, March 30th.

Telling stories in hues of green 🌿

🍀This St. Patrick’s Day dive into the boundless world of exploration with the 17th Annual Juried Youth Exhibition, “Explorations.” From the depths of imagination to the essence of self-discovery, young artists from San Diego County and Tijuana redefine the meaning of adventure through captivating photography and video.

📷On view now through April 7th.

Featured:
Sadee Preece, “Vegetable Forest,” 2023. UV print on litho-grade polystyrene. Collection of the artist. ©Sadee Preece.

Ethan Han, “Lost Boys,” 2023. UV print on litho-grade polystyrene. Collection of the artist. ©Ethan Han.

Sage Cruz, “Exploration of the Mind,” 2023. UV print on litho-grade polystyrene. Collection of the artist. ©Sage Cruz.

London Davis, “A Walk in Wonderland,” 2023. UV print on litho-grade polystyrene. Collection of the artist. ©London Davis.

Hailey Soto, “Gentle Forest,” 2023. UV print on litho-grade polystyrene. Collection of the artist. ©Hailey Soto.

SPO(U)TTED at MOPA@SDMA!

📷New exhibition alert! "Picture This: Recent Aquisitions" is now available on view. The exhibition looks specifically at the most recent acquisitions to the collection, the majority of which were gifted by local collectors or by the artists themselves.

✨From timeless classics to contemporary gems, this showcase celebrates the merging of creativity and history. From intimate portraits to bold abstractions, each piece tells a unique story, reflecting the rich tapestry of human experience.

Visit our new exhibition, “Picture This: Recent Acquisitions,” now on view.

Featured:
Hendrik Kerstens, “Spout,” 2011. Archival pigment print on photographic paper. Museum of Photographic Art at The San Diego Museum of Art: Gift of the Lawrence Friedman Trust, 2021.007.007. © Hendrik Kerstens

If photography were a recipe, we'd need a pinch of light, a dash of time, and a sprinkle of creativity. Forget the camera and lenses, let's whip up some magic with the art of writing with light! 📸💫

Want to learn more about writing with light? Check out the Photography 101 link in our bio to learn more about how to create photographic art!

Opening soon, a new exhibition titled “Picture This: Recent Acquisitions” will showcase selections from over a thousand photographs that were accepted as gifts in the last three years, leading up to the recent merging of the Museum of Photographic Arts and The San Diego Museum of Art. From anonymous nineteenth-century photographers to renowned artists such as Berenice Abbott, Martín Chambi, Mary Ellen Mark, Arnold Newman, Alison Rositer, Aaron Siskind, Mike and Doug Starn, Louise Dahl Wolfe, and many more, the photographs presented in the exhibition reflect a diverse range of processes spanning nearly 200 years.

Opening Saturday, March 9, “Picture This” demonstrates that a photograph is truly worth a thousand words.

Hendrik Kerstens, "Spout," 2011.Archival pigment print on photographic paper. Museum of Photographic Arts at The San Diego Museum of Art: Gift of the Lawrence Friedman Trust, 2021.007.007. © Hendrik Kerstens

Save the date! Member Appreciation Weekend returns March 2 & 3. We love our members and this is sure to be a weekend event to remember.

The weekend starts with coffee in the SDMA Library the morning of Saturday, March 2, then extends throughout the Museum campus:

- Shop a special artisan showcase featuring jewelry and prints by Sarah Stieber

- Receive extra discounts at The Museum Store and MOPA@SDMA Store (an extra 10% discount for a total of 20% off your purchase)

- See the award-winning documentary "The Human Element" by featured artist James Balog in the MOPA@SDMA Joan and Irwin Jacobs Theatre

- Spin the wheel for special around town and Museum prizes

- Enjoy a variety of guided tours each from highly trained Museum docents

Don’t miss this special event and the final weekend of “Korea in Color: A Legacy of Auspicious Images.”

Not yet a member? Head to our website to find the membership option that works best for you: https://www.sdmart.org/membership/

Happy Valentine’s Day! Enjoy a museum date with your special someone.

MOPA@SDMA remains a pay-what-you-wish museum, open Thursdays through Sundays 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Photo by

Fridays are for flowers! 🌺💐 🌼

See these floral photographs exploring identity and self-discovery in “Explorations: 17th Annual Juried Youth Exhibition” on view now through April 7.

Featured:
Kailyn Tian, age 15, “Endless Discoveries,” 2023. UV print on litho-grade polystyrene. Collection of the artist. © Kailyn Tian

Destiny Clo-Trombley, age 15, “Spreading,” 2023. UV print on litho-grade polystyrene. Collection of the artist. © Destiny Clo-Trombley