The Hulett Collection is pleased to present Picture Control Memory, an exhibition by Andy Mattern, on view from May 31 through July 19, 2025. This exhibition features works from Mattern's acclaimed Average Subject / Medium Distance series, where he reimagines mid-century photographic tools-specifically vintage exposure calculators-into vibrant, abstract compositions. By stripping these instructional devices of their original text and imagery, Mattern transforms them into minimalist artworks that challenge our perceptions of photographic norms and the evolution of image-making.
Mattern's process involves digitally manipulating these analog artifacts, leaving behind only select words such as "Desire," "Normal," and "Doubt." These isolated terms, once part of technical jargon, now evoke open-ended interpretations, prompting viewers to reflect on the emotional and conceptual dimensions of photography. The resulting images, characterized by bold colors and geometric forms, blur the lines between photography, graphic design, and conceptual art, inviting a reconsideration of the tools and language that have historically defined the medium.
Picture Control Memory not only showcases Mattern's innovative approach to deconstructing photographic conventions but also invites audiences to engage with the broader implications of technological advancement in visual culture. By repurposing obsolete tools into contemporary artworks, Mattern offers a commentary on the shifting landscape of photography and the enduring human desire to capture and control images.
