In this new feature, we’ll be featuring two simage per week from EXPOSURE: The 14th Annual PRC Juried Exhibition. Keep checking back on Mondays and Thursdays (with a break for the holiday!) to see an image per artist as well as artist statements and website links.

We’re very excited here at the PRC to see it all come together. Come to the opening reception on Thursday, May 21st from 5:30-7:30pm and see the real work! (For those not in Boston, we’ll also be posting images to our flickr page as well.)

RICK ASHLEY - “The Prom Series,” 2006 - 2008

The high school prom is a social ritual unique to North America, and as with any good social ritual, photography is an integral part. From an early age we are coached on how to present ourselves to the camera, yet we still look to the photographer for direction and validation.

These photographs began with a simple idea: What if prom couples gathered to walk the red carpet were unexpectedly directed instead to a professional studio set up in the school, given directions only on where to stand, immediately photographed, and then told to move on as the next couple was called?

Young people today are hyper aware of the power of photography in a socially networked world. When the spotlight unexpectedly shines, there is no time to prepare, and no one to assist, what do you do? As you look at the photographs can you see yourself?

ABOVE IMAGE: Rick Ashley, Prom Series #6103, 2006/2009, Archival inkjet print, 24 x 16 inches, courtesy of the artist.  Click here to visit the artist’s website.

This fall, close to 200 vintage and contemporary photographs go up for auction to benefit the PRC. Above is one of the amazing images on which you can bid. Keep checking back to see more auction images. Click here or on the above image for more information.

Image credit:

Rick Ashley, Untitled, 2006/2008, Inkjet Print, 13 2/5×20 inches, Signed Verso