Rare are those photographs of architecture that truly inform the viewer about a building’s details. Most architectural photography — even excellent architectural photography — memorializes a beautiful building in whole or part without revealing anything particularly magical. Since architecture is a three-dimensional art, its representation can literally be very flat. Not so with Gary R. Tetley’s images of the architecture of Theordore C. Link, currently on display at Landmarks Association of St. Louis‘ Carolyn Hewes Toft Gallery.
The dynamic image shown here in miniature captures a view of the Mississippi State Capitol. Others in the exhibit present views of the Second Presbyterian Church, Union Station, the Barr Branch Library and Link buildings from other parts of the nation. All are clearly labeled to reconcile the photography with the buildings one must really see in person to know well. Tetley’s photographs are vivid in their color, popping with the energy he finds in the design of one of St. Louis’ most interesting architects.
The exhibit runs through January 8 at the Gallery, 911 Washington Avenue #170 in the Lammert Building. Alas, gallery hours are only 9:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, requiring time off from work for a proper viewing. (I’d recommend spending a good length of time at the exhibit.) See it soon.