Micheal McLaughlin - Pictures in America - 1998 

The Robin Rice Gallery announces a solo exhibition of photography by Micheal McLaughlin. The opening reception will be held on May 7, 1998 from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. The show runs through June 25, 1998.

In his recent photographs of roadside attractions, discount stores, and suburban dreams, McLaughlin presents a darkened and sinister vision of familiar American cliches. These images are peripheral views of America that evoke illustrations for unwritten fictional stories: for the viewer there is a sense that something unknown has happened, or will happen. Produced while in pursuit of commercial assignments, from behind the wheel of rented cars, these pictures acknowledge the detachment brought on by frequent travel.

The invitational image, Pensacola shows a small roadside building edged by palm trees with the word “Romance” constructed on top of the roof. A lone figure in silhouette walks toward the building ready to take part in some transaction that is not at all clear to the viewer. In another, Charleston, S.C. twin bridges seen through the windshield of a moving car appear small and fragile beneath a storm-darkened sky, suggesting a trip that is not going entirely well.

Raised in Providence, Rhode Island, Micheal McLaughlin studied art history and photography at The Nova Scotia College of Art & Design, in Halifax, Nova Scotia. In 1987 he moved to New York City, where he works as a professional photographer with a wide range of clients that include Esquire, GQ, Men’s Journal, This Old House magazines, Knopf and Little Brown Publishers, as well as Sony and Nike.

Since 1993 he has shown in several group shows at the Robin Rice Gallery. This is his first solo show.