Visible Traces: The Art of Pinhole Photography

Up until October 9, the Hutchins Gallery is hosting “Visible Traces: The Art of Pinhole Photography,” an exhibition which delves into the world of pinhole photography, an ancient photographic technique that, to this day, continues to inspire many. Featuring works from 12 photographers of the New Jersey Pinhole Club, the  exhibition showcases a diverse range of pinhole photographs, each revealing the unique processes and artistic visions of the creators. Pinhole photography is well known for its simplicity: images are captured without the use of a lens, utilizing a tiny aperture, the opening through which light passes into the camera, to allow light to enter and create an image on light-sensitive material. These cameras, often crafted from the recycled materials, produce photographs which evoke a sense of depth and vibrance. Unlike the clarity offered by modern lenses and digital cameras, pinhole photography captures the subtleties of time and light, resulting in emotional and surreal images.

This exhibition is particularly noteworthy for its variety, with each artist bringing their own interpretation to the photos. The works range from tranquil landscapes that highlight the soft, analog aesthetics to dynamic urban scenes in rich monochrome tones. Some pieces even incorporate time-lapse techniques to depict the movement of stars, while others portray the vibrant hustle of modern life or intimate domestic moments. Each artwork sends viewers into distinct worlds, showcasing the expressive potential of this simple photographic method. A standout feature of the exhibition is the inclusion of the pinhole cameras themselves. The exhibited cameras add an extra source of engagement for gallery visitors, giving them a tangible understanding of the instrument used to create the photographs.

As the student assistant curator of the Hutchins Gallery, I had the unique opportunity to witness the extensive effort that went into organizing this exhibition, under the guidance of Ms. Melina Guarino, the Curator and Gallery Director, and Ms. Michelle Kasmarek, a visual arts teacher and gallery assistant. Their careful attention to the custom arrangement, labeling, and lighting of each piece speaks to their dedication. One of my favorite pieces is Jeff McConnell’s “Wayfaring Strangers,” which features images with diverse color exposures that render figures as delicate phantoms, embodying the frenetic pace of city life. The exposure of these photos which made people look like phantoms allowed me to reflect how I often overlook the things I cherish the most in my life and become phantoms to myself. Alongside this exhibition, the Rotunda gallery is hosting “In Dialogue: Putting Things Together,” an exhibition with Lawrenceville’s permanent collection curated by English teacher Mr. Pier Kooistra. As the first guest curator of the year, Mr. Kooistra shared his enthusiasm for the process: “I just got super lucky when Ms. Guarino noticed my enthusiasm for the gallery and asked me if I might like to guest curate. My reaction amounted, basically, to, ‘Me? Guest curate? Are you kidding? I’d be thrilled.’ It was so much fun, so exciting.” He elaborated on his experience how he was “thrilled” when he accessed the storage rooms to view the works up close. “I could have pulled hundreds, if we’d had the wall space,” he said, reflecting on Lawrenceville's permanent collection of artwork he pulled from. Working alongside Ms. Guarino and Ms. Kasmarek, Mr. Kooistra enjoyed the creative process of placing the artworks in the exhibit, adding “getting expert input on how to optimize each work’s positioning regarding neighbors and light and space—that was a blast.”

The opening reception held on September 12 was a great mix of students, faculty, artists and families engaging with one another, sharing their thoughts and the creative expression that pinhole photography offers. This exhibition has shown me how pinhole photography slows down our perception of time; waiting for light to seep into the material encourages the viewers to explore each moment more deeply. The impact of the exhibition also echoed in other students who attended. Akshaj Nandigam ’27 expressed his excitement, stating, “I found the Hutchins exhibit exciting as it was my first real art-related experience outside of class on campus. I was able to tie some of the knowledge I had started to learn in intro to design to the different pieces.” Robert Lee ’26 shared his appreciation for the artists’ creativity, noting that “at its core, pinhole photography is photography in its most simple form. However, each artist uses a blend of techniques to elevate each shot to new levels. I was amazed by the ingenuity each artist used, and every second I looked at the photos new details emerged.”

The “Visible Traces” exhibition serves as a reminder of the value of analog aesthetics in a time dominated by digital photography. By experiencing the diverse artistic expressions captured through pinhole photography, visitors will find a renewed appreciation for the fundamental qualities of the medium.

The exhibition will run until October 9, providing a unique source of inspiration for anyone with an interest in photography or art in general.