Edited by Randi Bjornstad
The Don Dexter Gallery in Crescent Village offers a show of work by Portland photographer Adam Gerlach throughout June 2026, with a special appearance and artist talk on Saturday, June 13, at 1 p.m.
Here’s what gallerist Dexter has to say about this exhibit, titled Traces of Light:
“I invite you to meet and hear from Portland photographer Adam Gerlach at his artist talk Saturday, June 13. Adam will share his fascinating “painting with light” process which begins in the dark of night, resulting in deeply rich and dramatic images printed in large format on cotton rag paper. His subjects in this exhibit are ancient Bristlecone Pines and not-quite-as-old Australian Tea Trees, whose textures, whorls, and wisdom are illuminating.
“Adam’s fascination with the intimate details of trees began as a child, climbing trees in the yard of his childhood home in Pennsylvania. He wormed his way up through the branches, getting as close to the top as possible to look down at the earth seemingly far below from an exciting new perspective. Not only did he experience a little danger and a rush of adrenaline, he got to know the trees in a closer way, relishing in every knot and imperfection in the bark as he climbed skyward through the branches.
“When he photographs trees today, he has a similar experience of getting to know each in a deeper way. He prefers the intimacy a wider lens, allowing him to be physically close to his subject matter.
“Adam began photographing these specific species because of how interesting and anthropomorphic* they were. They seem to come alive at night, he says.
“Being among trees, some of which are many thousands of years old, evokes an appreciation of how briefly humans have been here and how much more of the history of the world these trees have witnessed. It’s as if secrets of past worlds have become imprinted in the worn and gnarled wood of their limbs, trunks, and visible root structures like the grooves on a record.”
“This work brings the viewer beneath the twinkling stars above into a magical experience. We hope you’ll join us for Adam’s artist talk to fully appreciate the special qualities of this work.”
* Anthropomorphic/anthropomorphism refers to attributing human characteristics — such as appearance, emotion, form, or behavior — to non-human life forms or objects, creatures, or other life forms in nature.
Don Dexter Gallery presents: Traces of Light — Flashlights and Bristlecones; photographs by Adam Gerlach
When: Through June 2026
Where: Don Dexter Gallery, 2911 Tennyson Ave., No. 202, Eugene; in Crescent Village
Special event: Artist talk at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 13
Hours and information: dondextergallery.com
