October 14, 2003

Parks Retrospective Coming To Benton

Half Past Autumn: The Art of Gordon Parks, the first complete retrospective exhibition of the works of renowned American artist Gordon Parks, opens Oct. 18 at the William Benton Museum of Art. A gala preview is planned for Oct. 17, from 6 to 9 p.m.

Although the 90-year-old Parks is best known as a photojournalist, this retrospective brings together for the first time his works as a filmmaker, novelist, poet, and musician.

The exhibition features about 220 photographs, with significant works from each of ParksÕs major series from 1940 through 1997, including color photographs and portraits, combined with his books, music, film, and poetry.

The exhibition will be on display through Dec. 20. Admission is free for members of the Benton Museum; general admission is $5; $2 for students.

The exhibition is organized by the Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. The Benton Museum is the only venue in New England to exhibit Half Past Autumn, and is the next to last stop on its national tour, which began in 1998.

Parks received an honorary doctorate of fine arts degree from UConn during the 2003 Commencement ceremonies.