Exhibition Review: Adam Ekberg | Minor Spectacles
Adam Ekberg (American, b. 1975), Bic Lighter, Cocktail Umbrella, and Milk, 2022. Inkjet print.
Loan courtesy the artist and CLAMP, New York.
© Adam Ekberg
Written and Photo Edited by Wenjie (Demi) Zhao
Copy Edited by Kee’nan Haggen
Adam Ekberg's Minor Spectacles at the George Eastman Museum, on view from January 14 to September 3, defies the idea of minor occurrences by immortalizing them in striking photographs. Walking through the exhibition, one cannot help but be captivated by Ekberg’s talent for capturing the essence of a fleeting moment in time. His works reveal the importance of timing, and as the artist himself says, "There's one moment where it all comes together.”
Throughout the exhibition, Ekberg's photographs enchant viewers with subjects that seem otherworldly and grounded in reality. Images of objects splashing and breaking, as well as numerous shots that capture the split second when the subject is at its zenith, force us to confront our notions of what constitutes a spectacle. The way Ekberg freezes these moments in time reminds us that even the smallest, most unremarkable occurrences can be magical if we are present and pay attention.
Adam Ekberg (American, b. 1975), Beach Umbrella and Cocktail Umbrellas, 2018. Inkjet print.
Loan courtesy the artist and CLAMP, New York.
© Adam Ekberg
Adam Ekberg (American, b. 1975), Lawn Chair Catapult, 2017. Inkjet print.
Loan courtesy the artist and CLAMP, New York.
© Adam Ekberg
Minor Spectacles explores the theme of loneliness through the idea of a single observer witnessing each event. This perspective, paired with Ekberg's absence from the frame, creates a unique, almost voyeuristic experience for the viewer. The exhibition provokes a sense of intrigue by presenting these moments as isolated incidents without any witnesses or immediate context, encouraging viewers to consider their place in the universe's grand scheme.
The 22 inkjet prints displayed in the exhibition represent an ongoing body of work, showcasing Ekberg's unique approach to photography. The notion of continuity is woven into each photograph, as we are made aware of the human intervention required to create these images, giving inanimate objects such as roller skates, pumpkins, and balloons a life of their own. His method of orchestrating and documenting these carefully constructed events brings photography a new level of depth.
Adam Ekberg (American, b. 1975), Shaving Cream in Roller Skate Generating a Line, 2019. Inkjet print.
Loan courtesy the artist and CLAMP, New York.
© Adam Ekberg
As one moves through the exhibition, it becomes clear that Ekberg's work is more than a collection of beautifully crafted photographs. It is an invitation to slow down and engage with the world. Minor Spectacles is a refreshing reminder to appreciate the everyday miracles we often overlook in a society that often glorifies the grandiose and dismisses the mundane.
Adam Ekberg (American, b. 1975), Dominoes, 2015. Inkjet print.
Loan courtesy the artist and CLAMP, New York.
© Adam Ekberg
One standout piece in the collection is a photograph titled "Bic Lighter, Cocktail Umbrella, and Milk, 2022," which captures a particular moment when a Bic lighter is set ablaze and interacts with a cocktail umbrella and spilling milk in a manner that defies the ordinary. The juxtaposition of these objects introduces an air of whimsy and curiosity as one ponders the significance of their arrangement and interaction. Another striking image in the series, "Arrangement #2, 2010," exemplifies Ekberg's talent for capturing the extraordinary in every day, transforming ordinary objects and scenarios into captivating visual stories. An array of mirrors weaves light together in a mesmerizing narrative, further drawing the viewer into the enchanting realm of Ekberg's artistry.
Overall, Minor Spectacles is a visually stunning and thought-provoking exhibition that leaves a lasting impression. Adam Ekberg masterfully uses his craft to remind us of the power and beauty hidden in the mundane and to appreciate the extraordinary potential within each fleeting moment. The George Eastman Museum provides a fitting home for this exquisite collection, allowing visitors to experience the magic of the "one photographic moment" as Ekberg's skilled lens captured.
Adam Ekberg (American, b. 1975), Bic Lighters, Cocktail Umbrellas, and Balloon, 2022. Inkjet print.
Loan courtesy the artist and CLAMP, New York.
© Adam Ekberg.
Adam Ekberg (American, b. 1975), Arrangement #2, 2010. Inkjet print.
Loan courtesy the artist and CLAMP, New York.
© Adam Ekberg
For more information, visit George Eastman Museum’s website.
