TUSCUMBIA-Robert Rausch has spent decades doing photography and design
for the likes of The New York Times, Southern Living, Anthropologie, and many other brands and
publications. This month, Shoals residents can see the Tuscumbia native’s most recent body of
work in Examination: Photographs by Robert Rausch at the Tennessee Valley Museum of Art.
The exhibition is on view through Sept. 30, and a reception with the artist will be held on Sept.
22, at 6 p.m.
Examination is composed of photographs that appear to be self-portraits, but that Rausch
describes as “a series of portrait-like images of myself in the guise of created characters.” He
uses these works as “a vehicle for commentary on issues surrounding the roles we play.”
The exhibition was originally scheduled to be a joint effort with the PRPGMX gallery in Mexico
City, Mexico. Unfortunately, the Mexico City portion of the show was canceled due to COVID,
but the Tuscumbia show has continued as planned
Rausch says that exhibiting in his home town is “both an honor and a bit scary.” It can be easier
to show artwork in a big city, where people don’t personally know him.
“I am trying to be honest and straightforward with this work,” says Rausch. “I guess it is part of
the complexity of human nature, to be simple in action, yet conflicted and complex in thought.
This work is about identity, and how we identify and connect with others. We only have our
personal perspective of our life, yet we are perceived differently from others’ perspectives.”
Museum hours for this exhibition are Tuesday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5
p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for students, and free for TVAA members. To learn more
about the Tennessee Valley Art Association, which runs the Tennessee Valley Museum of Art
and the Ritz Theatre, visit tennesseevalleyarts.org or call 256-383-0533.
