The exhibition will feature self-portraits by New York-based photographer Jen Davis, who has spent over a decade turning the camera lens toward herself, as she investigates issues of beauty, identity, and body image. In images where she widens the lenscape to include others in the photographs, her work explores ideas of personal relationships, both physical and psychological.

With these beautifully crafted color portraits, the viewer is invited into intimate and thought-provoking scenes. Davis bathes her subjects in natural light and subtle color palettes, creating a simplicity from which tense dramas sometimes unfold. The viewer observes Davis sitting or lying on the bed partially clothed, or performing daily routines, such as brushing her hair, watering her plants, eating, or dressing. Each image reflects a tension and elicits a dialog about our thin-obsessed culture.

As a response to Davis’ show, Stivers and other area students are invited to describe what identity means to them. Students submit their own self-portraits through Instagram, or write a poem or short essay on the subject of “Identity.” A selection of those submissions are printed and presented in connection with the show. Stivers’ creative writing group, Spoken Word, will perform during the reception.