Annette Booth, Aperture Foundation’s exhibition coordinator, came to campus to install Petrochemical America: Project Room at the Perlman Teaching Museum. The show presents selected works from a unique collaboration between photographer Richard Misrach and landscape architect Katie Orff. Unlike most photographic exhibitions, Petrochemical America’s large-scale photographs and infographics did not arrive at Carleton fully-framed. In order to make the show more affordable for college and university galleries, Aperture Foundation designed a more informal framing and installation method requiring the exhibition coordinator’s direction. Booth supervised the process of rolling out large photographic prints, mounting them to gator board, and constructing large backboards to support three 8 x 10 foot photographs that lean against the gallery wall.
Misrach’s and Orff’s work documents a stretch of land from Baton Rouge to New Orleans where over 100 industrial plants produce one-fourth of the nation’s petrochemicals. The exhibit educates viewers about deadly toxins released in production processes, but does not deny America’s needs and desires for the goods produced. Misrach’s photographs trigger paradox emotions — disgust for harmful industrial practices and admiration of the American South’s scenic and cultural riches. Petrochemical America: Project Room is at the Perlman Teaching Museum until June 1, 2014.