In the Shadows

Portland-resident Gary Bettis has assembled a collection of photographs and prints which are considered to be one of the Northwest’s most significant private print collections. Since 2001 Gary Bettis has gifted 263 works to the Museum consisting primarily of black-and-white photographs and prints, including mezzotints, drypoints, and etchings by nationally and internationally known artists.

While building his collection Gary Bettis became aware of the close visual relationship between mezzotints and photographs – the range and tonality found in both mediums create a rich surface texture and appearance.  Bettis describes his collection with words such as simplicity, structure, opposition and tension and consciously looks for these elements in a range of subject matter. Intimate views and dramatic vistas with intriguing perspectives reflect these compositional qualities.

Organized by the Boise Art Museum

Vija Celmins, Untitled (Ocean Surface), 1983, drypoint (37/75), framed: 28 1/4″ x 22″, Gift of M. Gary Bettis.