In Focus: Portraits from the Permanent Collection

June 5, 2025 - September 27, 2025

In Focus: Portraits from the Permanent Collection presents a compelling selection of photographic works that explore the power and complexity of portraiture through the lens WMA’s permanent collection. On view this summer, the exhibition features works by Jerry Siegel, Barbara Lee Black, Pinky MM/Bass, Sydney A. Foster, and Spider Martin, each offering a unique perspective on identity, presence, and the act of seeing.

The photographs in this exhibition reflect a range of approaches to portraiture, from traditional posed images to conceptual explorations of memory and transformation. Jerry Siegel’s intimate portraits of Southern artists capture his subjects in environments that speak to their creative lives, while Pinky MM/Bass’s experimental work pushes the boundaries of the photographic medium, incorporating layers of texture and personal narrative, and Sydney A. Foster’s vivid portraits reflect a deep sense of connection to our community. The photojournalistic work of Spider Martin, known for documenting the Civil Rights Movement, offers powerful insight into pivotal moments and the people who shaped history.

In Focus invites viewers to consider the portrait not only as a reflection of the subject, but also as a window into the artist’s intent and the cultural context of each image. Through a diverse range of techniques and perspectives, these photographs speak to the enduring relevance of portraiture as a form of storytelling, representation, and human connection. This exhibition celebrates the strength of WMA’s permanent collection and highlights the museum’s ongoing commitment to preserving and presenting nationally recognized voices in contemporary art.