Barbara Morgan: The Intimacy of Past & Present

Denise Bibro Fine Art, Chelsea is pleased to present selections from our collection of works by Iowan artist, Barbara Morgan, who has lived and worked in Alabama for decades. Her photo montages are layered juxtapositions of old and recent image negatives, resulting in vignettes of past and present living simultaneously. 

Morgan’s contemporary photography has assimilated and appropriated many of the elements found in photo montages and collages of the 1920’s and 1930’s, which exposed social and psychological experiences. She adorns several works in this presentation with hand painting, infusing a sense of intimacy. Ephemeral, apparition-like characters are often incorporated, implying a sense of relatedness or ancestry. Viewers are glimpsing a fleeting moment as the figures change with the passage of light and shadows. The subtleties of shadowing—light into dark, grayscale into color—enhance each work’s transitory quality. Elements appear both old and familiar, out of context, suggesting the ongoing passage of time. 

Morgan’s works are both personal and universal. As one reviews each work, the viewer can find their footing to go beyond that which is present and embark on their own journey.

Barbara Morgan is originally from Iowa and now resides in Birmingham, Alabama. She has taught in various universities, recently retiring from North Georgia College and State University. The artist has had extensive exhibitions throughout the US including at Denise Bibro Fine Art, NYC, the Lynda Rose Gallery, Birmingham, AL; Shelton State Community College, Tuscaloosa, AL; Stephens Center Patrons Gallery, University of Alabama at Birmingham; Hammond Hall Gallery, Jacksonville, State University, Jacksonville, AL; National Museum of Women in the Arts, Washington, DC; Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge. Morgan’s works are housed in private, corporate, and institutional collections, including, Jacksonville State University, Jacksonville, AL; AmSouth Bank, Anniston, AL; Nusonics Inc., Birmingham, AL; Business Systems Inc., Anniston, AL, among others.