The City of Fargo is announcing the opening of a seven-month art exhibit at City Hall from May 15 through Dec. 31, 2017. The 23 photographs in Dakotaland series come from the work of local fine art photographer Char-Marie Flood.
Dakotaland focuses on how we can see the history of North Dakota in the land, from the pre-history captured in the rock formations of the Badlands to the spirit and courage of the first pioneers, as witnessed in the remnants of early homesteads. The themes Flood explores resonate soundly. Fargo is the eastern-most gateway to a state full of history and natural beauty. North Dakotans are rightly proud of this state’s often stark, sometimes desolate countryside – and perhaps more so of the courage and determination of our ancestors who withstood harsh conditions to build lives for themselves and future generations.
Flood is adept at capturing the vast and horizontal quiet of the northern prairie. The lure of the distance and the pure vastness of being able to see to the edge seem to hold a special intrigue for the artist. Although a cohesive exhibit, the individual photographs are enormously varied, representing different aspects of our state, different seasons, even different times of day. Returning viewers will find something new to explore each time they visit.
The 23 works are original photographs, printed on canvas with the giclee process and archival inks. The artist made the very calculated decision to use canvas, which allows the textures inherent in Flood’s photographs to truly “pop,” whether the stubble of a harvested field or the crystals of hoar frost on a tree. It also enhances the painterly touch the photographer has when capturing the North Dakota vistas.
In conjunction with the exhibit, there will be several opportunities for the public to engage in discussion around the artworks, including an artist talk and a discussion by a local historian. The Artist Talk & Brown Bag Lunch will be held Tuesday, June 6, 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the City Commission Chambers in Fargo City Hall. Additional related events will be scheduled in the fall. Updated information can be found at http://www.fargoartsandculture.com.
About the Artist
Char-Marie Flood specializes in documentary photography, with subject matter that includes nature, urban and rural landscapes and ancient objects. She has exhibited in both solo and group exhibitions throughout the Midwest. Her photographs have been published and can be found in both corporate and private collections. She received a grant from The Arts Partnership to complete the series Dakotaland. More information can be found at http://www.charmarieflood.com.
About the Arts and Culture Commission
The exhibit is a program of the City of Fargo’s Arts & Culture Commission. The Commission, established in 2015, explores and promotes the intersection between art, creative place making and community, as well as the role and installation of public art. Since 2016, the Commission has supported the curation of visual art exhibits installed in the hallway between the City Commission Chambers and the City Commission Offices.