“A Simple Circle” is a captivating exploration of photography’s evolution from its roots in the 19th century to contemporary interpretations. This unique exhibition juxtaposes historical Kodak cameras and photographs from the late 1880s-1890s with new works by Leverett-based photographer and educator James Gehrt.
On view from February 3rd through March 16th, 2025.
A reception with the artist is planned for Saturday, February 15th from 4 to 6pm.
From the artist:
In 1888, George Eastman introduced the Kodak, a small wooden box camera that revolutionized photography by making it accessible to the masses. For the first time, anyone could take up to 100 simple, round photographs without needing to understand complex photographic processes or rely on professional studios. Eastman’s promise, “You push the button, and we do the rest,” ushered in the era of personal image-making, sparking a shift in how we document our lives and the world around us.
Fast-forward to today, when photography is ubiquitous and often taken for granted. The phones in our pockets can capture and share moments instantly around the world, and thousands of images can be scrolled through in a matter of seconds. “A Simple Circle” takes a closer look at where it all began with the Kodak and its round snapshots.
This exhibition explores the enduring simplicity and beauty of the circular photograph. Alongside vintage Kodak cameras, circular pictures from the 1880s, and early advertisements, it presents Gehrt’s contemporary works, offering a modern take on the round image. The clean, unadorned compositions of these early photographs depicting pets, sailboats, and everyday moments have inspired these new images. This exhibition invites a dialogue between past and present, highlighting how we choose to represent ourselves to the world and giving the viewer the opportunity to reflect on the unique qualities of photography as a form of visual communication.
About James Gehrt
James Gehrt is an accomplished artist and educator with over 30 years of experience in the field of photography. Holding a BFA in Photography from the Savannah College of Art and Design and a Master’s in Library and Information Science from Simmons University, throughout Gehrt’s career, he has explored the intersections of visual art and archival research. He currently teaches Photographic Archives at Simmons University and has lectured at institutions such as Mount Holyoke College and the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
Gehrt’s photographic work has been widely exhibited, with solo shows at the Amy H. Carberry Fine Arts Gallery (2024) and the Unversity of Massachusettes, Fine Arts Center, and Hampden Galler (2016). His exhibitions often explore themes of memory, history, and the photographic medium’s power to capture and transform reality. In addition to his exhibitions, Gehrt is a published author and has contributed works such as The Weight of Air and Source, with his photography featured in various academic and literary publications.
In 2022, Gehrt released “From Where I’m Standing…” a series of quarterly reviews of his photographs that offer readers a look inside his creative process. For his contributions to art and education, he has received several honors, including the Dr. Estelle Jussim Award, a Massachusetts Cultural Council Grant, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst Visiting Artist Award.