Mercyhurst University professor opens exhibit at Erie Art Museum

The Erie Art Museum is opening a new exhibit at the Holstein Gallery. The show, “Memories/Dreams” by Gary Cardot, will run from Feb. 17 until June 24.

The exhibit, inspired by the subcultures in America, follows Cardot’s “travels and studies of current places,” according to a press release from the Erie Art Museum.

Cardot — an assistant professor in the art department and director of the photography program at Mercyhurst University — traveled to and photographed alienated subcultures and services such as county fairs, Gay Pride parades, amusement parks and other places “portrayed as rich visual narratives,” according to the release.

Combining digital and analog photography in his works, Cardot notes his influences as Dada, Surrealism and Joseph Cornell. He is known to create works reflective of topics such as Romanticism, dreamscapes and sexuality, while using pieces to create a whole image of “life lived and celebrated,” said the release.

Cardot has had photography shown in museums and galleries nationwide.

For more information on “Memories/Dreams,” contact Winona Vaitekunas at (814) 459-5477, or curator@ erieartmuseum.org.

Kimberly Firestine can be reached at ae.spectator@ gmail.com.