Matter of depiction

Student illuminates globe through camera lens

Irene Wazgowski / contributing photographer Senior Morgan Riehl discovered a love for both photography and travel at a young age. Her photos depicting her overseas voyages are on display at the Artful Dodger through Feb. 14.

When a photo mosaic of people, places and light spans one of the dandelion-colored walls at the Artful Dodger, local coffee drinkers cannot help but notice.

Senior Morgan Riehl's exhibit, which runs until Feb. 14, showcases her talent and captures the experiences from her worldwide travels.

"I've always traveled a lot," she said. "Many of the pictures are from different parts of the world."

Riehl's photographs represent engagement in her environment. Each piece is a non-intrusive witness to the delicate riches of the surroundings. "I really like observing the world around me … I try to convey the true feelings of a place," Riehl said.

Riehl's work may warrant a promising future; her style is crisply professional and versatile in its use of light, color and subject matter. Her show allows the viewer's eye to dance from a striking black and white image ("A Statue Outside of Christianshavn") to a vibrant composition of a MACRoCK show.

The presentation of each photograph adds energy to the display. Riehl sets black and white against yellow, draws the green out of an Italian window, and complements a gray mural with rich maroon.

"The photographs are all really good," senior Beth Maskey said. "I love that it's not just a bunch of pictures on the wall. She put a lot of thought into detail with the matting and framing."

Senior Jordan Minnick decided to purchase one of Riehl's prints.

"I like 'Catholic Mural of the Troubles,'" Minnick said. "Her photography leaves a lot to you. You could look at a picture of a place, and it captures your imagination."

Riehl appreciates the viewer's ability to experience photography in a personal way.

"Take what you see and make the interpretation your own," she said.

Perhaps Riehl's philosophy ties to her background, as her parents encouraged her to travel at an early age.

Reihl became interested in photography in elementary school, but did not take her work seriously until high school. Now a school of media arts & design major, she has applied her skills to organizations such as JMU Sports Media Relations and the Bluestone. Riehl wants to pursue photography as a career after she graduates.

The camera lens enhanced her perception of each place she visited, allowing her to "appreciate the beauty of what is around us."

"I don't want to emulate [other photographers' work] … I try to do things as I see them," Riehl said.

Although Riehl studied photography while abroad in Florence in June 2003, she does not have much formal training. She has relied on her individual vision and interest in the art form.

Riehl contacted the Artful Dodger after learning that it rotates the art on its walls once a month.

Beneath her exhibit, Riehl offers viewers her card, resumé, order form and a show layout describing each piece.

Prints of all Riehl's photography displayed at the Artful Dodger are for sale. Prices range from $10 to $25. Riehl's show ends Feb. 14, but one can visit www.marphotography.com to purchase prints and stay connected to her progress as an artist.