Robert Buelteman - Forty Years
Driven by a deep understanding of nature's complexities and a fierce curiosity about expanding the limits of photo-possibility, photographer and artist Robert Buelteman masterfully crafts poignant images of life, color, and transcendence.
(this post was written my my friend and gallerist, Shari Brownfield)
Opening Friday September 6th, 5-7 PM, artist’s talk Saturday September 7th, 2pm, open to the public, RSVP requested
Shari Brownfield Fine Art is honored to present a forty-year retrospective exhibition for Robert Buelteman, a visionary artist renowned for his innovative approach to photography.
In celebration of his 70th birthday, Buelteman’s show will be a comprehensive showcase of his artistic evolution, highlighting his quest for light and shadow across his two distinct bodies of work— his celebrated camera-less color prints, and his exquisite black-and-white analog landscapes. This exhibition offers viewers a chance to experience the unified vision behind his work, presenting it as a cohesive journey rather than as two separate entities.
Spring Willow 2013
Shari Brownfield Fine Art is honored to present a forty-year retrospective exhibition for Robert Buelteman, a visionary artist renowned for his innovative approach to photography.
In celebration of his 70th birthday, Buelteman’s show will be a comprehensive showcase of his artistic evolution, highlighting his quest for light and shadow across his two distinct bodies of work— his celebrated camera-less color prints, and his exquisite black-and-white analog landscapes. This exhibition offers viewers a chance to experience the unified vision behind his work, presenting it as a cohesive journey rather than as two separate entities.
Sequoia sempervirens 1996
Buelteman grew up with a profound appreciation for nature in the then-sleepy Woodside, California. Originally on a path to become a professional pilot, Buelteman’s life took a transformative turn when a chance encounter with a camera led him to abandon aviation in favor of photography. After attending San Francisco State and the University of California, Berkeley, where he studied the hard sciences behind the medium of photography, Buelteman began his artistic journey providing photographic services to architects and interior designers. Eventually, his love for the simplicity of black-and-white landscape photography led him to begin a 10-year project photographing the San Francisco State Fish and Game Refuge, a place off-limits to the public since 1920. This early work set the stage for the artist's deep commitment to land conservation and photographic excellence. Over his career, his art has helped to preserve and conserve over 150,000 acres of land.
Field Flowers 2010
In 2000, Buelteman’s artistic vision took a radical shift as he abandoned traditional imaging tools in favor of a camera-less technique that drew nearer to Chinese brush painting and improvisational jazz than it did standard photographic practice. This innovative approach has earned him numerous accolades and a place in prominent public and private collections worldwide. Then ensued his journey into color, where he transitioned from a decades-long career in black-and-white to an energetic exploration of a fresh, vibrant technique. His first solo exhibition featuring these botanical images not only sold out but also marked a new era for the artist and the first exhibition that Brownfield & Buelteman partnered on nearly 25 years ago.
Big Squirreltail 2011
Please join us to honor Forty Years of Robert’s journey, and the 25 years of my personal collaboration with the artist!
Friday, September 6th from 5-7pm: Reception with the artist, (during Palates & Palettes, where we will partner again with Teton Thai!)
Saturday, September 7th at 2pm: Artist conversation in the cabin. (If you are out that morning for Old Bill's please drop by!) If possible, please RSVP for the artist talk.
You can view the exhibition online via Artsy or Digital Catalogue.
Shari Brownfield Fine Art is located at 55 South Glenwood Street and is open weekdays from 10am to 2pm, and by appointment at 307.413.9262