A Half-Century of Captured Moments: An Iconic Photography Exhibit at ARt deCentrale

Dustin Staggs

NWA Democrat-Gazette

As visitors approach the rear wall of ARt deCentrale in Springdale, they encounter the selected works of photographer Jim Wright in “Recollections: 50 Years of Photography.”

Curated in collaboration with Allan Paulose, the founder of the gallery, the showcase begins on the left wall with personal images of Wright’s grandchildren, establishing the mood for an intensely personal exploration of his 50-year journey and contributions to photography.

“These photographs depict the more recent period of my life,” Wright remarked, gesturing toward the black-and-white images of his four grandchildren, each displayed in their own separate frame on the wall. Beside them reside three of his most cherished photojournalistic works, featuring the striking “Born a Slave” portrait of Naomi Gary, captured in 1974 when she was 118 years old.

“Recollections” offers an emotional journey through the perspective of 77-year-old Jim Wright, whose portfolio encompasses journalistic, portrait, macro, and travel photography. The exhibition is currently on view at the gallery located at 117 W. Emma Ave. in Springdale and will be available until Feb. 8, with an artist reception scheduled for 5 p.m. on Jan. 18. Admission is complimentary, and all photographs are available for purchase, with a portion of proceeds benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association through their initiative, “The Longest Day.”

During the collaboration with Wright for this showcase, Allan Paulose noticed instances when Wright seemed lost in contemplation and sensed he was grappling with something. Paulose felt a sense of concern for his welfare. Wright later disclosed that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease less than a year prior.

“That truly resonated with me,” Paulose shared. “As a photographer, you aim to capture all these moments and narratives, creating memories for others as well as for yourself. I aimed to convey that story.”

Paulose began to converse with him about the photographs that he considered the most impactful throughout his entire career and why they held personal significance.

Wright’s journey in photography started simply in Atlanta, Ga., where he was a darkroom technician for the Baptist Mission Board while pursuing studies in psychology at Georgia State University. His early experiences included documenting pivotal events such as Martin Luther King Jr.’s funeral. Those very images are showcased in the exhibition, illustrating the solemnity of that day and the resilience of those in attendance to pay their respects. Many are poignantly captured among trees and on the telephone poles they climbed for better vantage points.

What lingers most with Wright from his 50-year career are narratives like those from Dr. King’s funeral and his tenure as a photojournalist.

“I believe it’s because they’re centered on people,” Wright explained. “Sharing stories is, I suppose, a substantial part of my life.”

Wright remains passionate about his artistic endeavor and refrains from discussing his diagnosis. He feels fortunate to have documented so many lives and narratives, and he can still recall the specifics of each image displayed in the gallery.

Wright highlights a photograph he captured during his tenure at the Orlando Sentinel, which earned first place in “Portrait Personality and Pictures of the Year” in 1976. “Bonita” is both the title of the image and the name of the mother seated with her 3-year-old daughter on a couch in a softly lit room.

“I became the most emotionally invested in that particular image,” Wright stated. He pauses for a considerable moment, apologizing before sharing why the photograph held such significance for him.

Bonita was battling leukemia and requested Wright and his wife to adopt her daughter, Christy. They joyfully consented to it, he noted.

Sadly, five days later, Bonita passed away, never having had the opportunity to finalize the legal aspects of the adoption with her attorney. At that moment, Christy was at the Wrights’ residence with their two sons. Due to the absence of legal arrangements, Wright explained that the court chose to give custody to Christy’s grandfather and her father, who had just been released from incarceration.

They never saw Christy again, and although they couldn’t fulfill Bonita’s wish, the bond with her is a cherished memory that he will always hold dear. “Bonita” serves as a reminder of that.

“Listening to each story was a remarkable experience, understanding why it was personally significant to him,” Paulose remarked. He aimed for Wright to reflect on his life and capture it in time with this exhibit.

For Wright, “Recollections” transcends the mere photographs he’s taken and displayed. The exhibit encapsulates the stories they convey and the memories they invoke — memories Wright is grateful to retain and cherish.

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FAQ

“Recollections: 50 Years of Photography”

WHEN — Currently on display until Feb. 8. Artist reception is at 5 p.m. on Jan. 18.

WHERE — ARt deCentrale, 117 W. Emma Ave., Springdale

COST — Free to attend.

INFO — artdecentrale.org/about-artdecentrale and act.alz.org/site/PageServer