(Above: Photographer John Bauguess had a knack for recognizing — and capturing — incongruities in daily life. He caught this moment in downtown Eugene on the plaza between the Hult Center and the formerly named Hilton Hotel.)
By Randi Bjornstad
Photographer John Bauguess, who died at age 76 early in 2020, will be honored by the Maude Kerns Art Center during April with a retrospective of his work that reflects his devotion — and keen eye — for the people and places of Oregon, and especially Lane County, where he spent much of his life.
Titled John Bauguess: A Life Through His Lens, the show includes 65 of his photographs, showing what he cherished most about his community as well as development activity that he abhorred as ruination of its landscapes.
The exhibit, which runs from April 7-28, 2023, is curated by longtime friend and fellow photographer Jack Liu and emphasizes Bauguess’ particular attention to ordinary events that make up everyday life in small communities.
The photographs are accompanied by a short video about his life, created by Myray Reames.
A second photographic exhibit also will be on display during the same time as the Bauguess retrospective. Depth of Field includes work by members of the Eugene Darkroom Group.
During his career, Bauguess worked for several small newspapers including the East Oregonian, covering Umatilla and Morrow counties, and the Herald and News in the Klamath Falls area. His work also appeared in Sunset magazine and the University of Oregon’s Oregon Quarterly. He collaborated on a book by author Barry Lopez, Of Wolves and Men, that includes his photographs portraying the interface between the wild canines and humans.
The showing of Bauguess’ work is accompanied by a silent auction of his signed prints and portraits of him by fellow professional photographers Jack Liu, Rob Wilson, and Paul Carter.
On Sunday, April 16, a Celebration of Life will be held from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the art center, in Bauguess’ honor.
John Bauguess was known for being something of a curmudgeon, but he also displayed a wicked sense of humor.
Two photography exhibits at the Maude Kerns Art Center
What: John Bauguess: A Life Through His Lens and Depth of Field, work by members of the Eugene Darkroom Group
When: April 7-28, 2023
Where: Maude Kerns Art Center, 1910 E. 15th Ave., Eugene (corner of 15th and Villard streets)
Gallery hours: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday during exhibits
Special events
- Opening reception from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, April
- Silent auction of prints by and about Bauguess, April 7-16
- Celebration of Life of John Bauguess from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 16
Information: 541-345-1571 or mkartcenter.org
Previous Eugene Scene stories about John Bauguess
UPDATE: “On Photography”— Paul Carter profile of the late Eugene documentary photographer John Bauguess
Photographer John Bauguess, longtime chronicler of Oregon people and landscapes, dies at age 76
