Robert Hunt and Sharon Devereux
July 28 – August 29, 2011
An opening reception and book signing is July 28, 6-7:30 p.m.
Photographers Robert Hunt and Sharon Devereux walked many miles, together and separately, documenting the diversity of street performers they encountered along the way.
A series of their photographs, Street Stage: Takin’ It To The Streets,” is featured in The Atelier Gallery at the Stoneham Theatre, 395 Main St., Stoneham, MA, July 28 through August 29. An opening reception and book signing is July 28, 6-7:30 p.m.
“It is an unusual undertaking for two photographers, each with their own style and artistic vision, to collaborate on a project such as this,” says Devereux. “The development of this project and our book (of the same name) came about through our shared love of photography, music, and the arts.”
The project, she adds, is a tribute to the street performers, also called buskers, who present their talents in public places for tips. The photos were shot in New York, San Diego, Toronto, Boston, Cambridge, and throughout New England.
“During the process we shared the enjoyment and excitement of capturing images that have brought this subject to life,” Devereux says. “We encourage you to take a few moments out of each day to see and experience your world.
“Often people are caught up in the fast pace of today’s society and its stresses, but when they stumble across a street performer, they stop for a brief period and, ultimately, a smile breaks on their faces,” says Devereux. “Our hope is that the same thing occurs as you view these photographs and the diversity of the subjects.”
She also says music and performance “break through cultural and language barriers and seem to pull people together, as we saw time and again in the crowds that would gather to watch and share the moment.” In addition to photographs, the 2010 book Street Stage: Takin’ It To The Streets,” includes poetry written by and Devereux and Hunt.