Photos from “Shape of Us: Selections for the Kinsey Institute Art Collection”

I recently got contacted by Catherine Johnson-Roehr, the Curator of Art, Artifacts and Photographs for the Kinsey Institute, who was very kind to send me some photos and tell me about how the show was going at Indiana State University. About my work and the exhibition, she said, “There was an excellent turnout for the event, and we heard many positive comments about the show. Your piece really stands out, as it is hung at the end of a wall that divides the gallery into two spaces. It is also the most colorful work in the show, as many of the photographs are b/w.”

Thanks to Catherine Johnson-Roehr for sending these photos and telling me about the event. It was a high point in my year, and this has been a very good year for me!

You can see the photos she sent, and I’ve attached the press release below as well.

Dream hard,
– Dirk

Photographer Dirk Hooper Featured Artist in “Shape of Us: Selections from the Kinsey Institute Art Collection”
Fetish and fantasy photographer Dirk Hooper is among several artists chosen to participate in “Shape of Us: Selections from the Kinsey Institute Art Collection” at Indiana State University.

09.23.2010– TERRE HAUTE, INDIANA, September 20, 2010 – Fetish and fantasy photographer Dirk Hooper is among several artists chosen to participate in “Shape of Us: Selections from the Kinsey Institute Art Collection” at Indiana State University. The travelling exhibition runs September 20 through October 16 at The University Art Gallery in Terre Haute, Indiana.

“The Shape of Us” focuses specifically on body shape and variation celebrating form and diversity. The show displays the human form in all its variety as well as a commentary on how physical form/shape effects personal identity and sense of self. “It’s an honor to be associated with any show the Kinsey Institute creates,” Hooper said, “but the concept of this exhibition strikes at the very heart of my work so the recognition is even more special to me.”

University Art Gallery Interim Director Erin Caldwell said, “To give you a little background, the Kinsey Institute was founded in 1947 by pioneering sex researcher Alfred C. Kinsey. Today, the Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender and Reproduction conducts active research programming to address scientific and societal questions about sexual behavior, gender differences, decision-making, human relationships and personal and public health. The Kinsey Institute also has an in house gallery as well as an extensive collection of art, artifacts, books and photography.”

“Our exhibition here will be a slightly altered version of their original show,” Caldwell said. “The curatorial process was focused specifically on variation of body shape and celebration of form and diversity. The show is meant to first and foremost celebrate the human form in ALL its varieties.” Other featured artists include Herb Ritts, Mariette Pathy Allen, Laurent Benaïm, Grace Benedict, Lynn Bianchi, John Alexander Scott Coutts, William Dellenback, Eric Godal, Anthony Gordon, Vic Green, Robert Lomis, George Platt Lynes, Brad Miller, Angelo Victor Mercure, Kevin O. Mooney, Dianora Niccolini, Erwin Olaf, Michael Rosen, J.D. Talasek, Forrest Solis, Jordon Griffin Tate, Sam Wang, Gilbert Brown Wilson, and Yelena Yahontova.

The University Art Gallery is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursdays. It hosts exhibitions, visiting artists, and scholars throughout the academic year. Calendars are available at the gallery’s front desk. The gallery’s mission of exposing cutting edge contemporary art to ISU and Terre Haute would not be possible without the support of Arts Illiana, Indiana Arts Commission, College of Arts and Sciences, and the Department of Art.
If you are interested in more information or an interview with Dirk Hooper, contact info@sightkey.com.

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