Exhibit of works by Ralph Lindgren

The collection, entitled “Backsliding,” is composed 41 images each of which illustrates how digital images can be enhanced by drawing upon aesthetic principles and techniques long admired in many of the more traditional visual media. The sources of inspiration include oil, pastel, acrylic, gouache, ink, engraving, pencil and several multi-media pieces.

Ralph Lindgren is a long-time resident of Bethlehem. Following 30 years as a Professor of Philosophy at Lehigh University, he retired in 1995 to peruse his many other interests. These have included volunteer organizations, family genealogy, flower gardening, world travel and increasingly photography. As the Digital Revolution matured, Ralph plunged into it, studying both online and in person with such notable photographers as Tony Sweet, Brenda Tharp, Deborah Sandidge, Art Wolfe and Rick Holt. During the previous 40 years Ralph had perused black and white film photography in his chemical dark room. His dominant style until the last few years was fixed by the aesthetic principles emphasized in the work of such masters as Ansel Adams, Edward Weston and Imogen Cunningham. They and their legions of followers insisted that photographers avoid borrowing techniques and principles from any other art form. In recent years Ralph pulled loose from that constraint and has been experimenting with extending some of the ideas and techniques in many of the traditional visual media to the interpretation of his own digital images. That direction, which he mischievously calls "Backsliding," is driven by the conviction that sustainable creativity involves both departure from and continuity with past practices. The exhibit in the Rotunda Gallery during April places over three-dozen of the products of this adventure on display.

The Rotunda is accessible during business hours through City Hall at 10 East Church Street. The reception for the general public is on Sunday, April 7th from 2 - 4 PM.