LANDSCAPE

Photographs by Andrew VonBank

LANDSCAPE is an exhibition of nature-inspired photographs from the last 10 years.  Andrew VonBank’s inspiration comes from extensive travel in the Midwest and Southwest, especially the Colorado Plateau.  VonBank employs the technique of true infrared photography in many of his black and white images.  This technique utilizes a Wratten No. 87 infrared gel filter and gives the final image a dream-like quality that is just skewed from the norm.  VonBank’s sense of form, composition and balance can be seen through the wide pallet of nature’s landscapes and the details found within the natural world.

ARTIST’S STATEMENT

I was 9 when my father gave me my first camera and encouraged me to explore the world with photography. Raised on the sweeping prairie in North Dakota, I have always found the beauty in life and as an artist I draw inspiration from the vast land, sky and openness.  I’ve learned to look closely for the details that make life art. 

As a professional documentary, portrait and nature photographer for more than 26 years, this awareness is evident in my work as I capture the world with a unique style and eye for light and detail. Nothing puts me in awe more than experiencing the sun rise and set with the landscape.

As a student of art history, I am also inspired by the diversity of great art - especially the work of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and Symbolist painters, and the photographic work of Julia Margaret Cameron, Edward Steichen and fellow Minnesotan Jim Brandenburg.  

I don’t consider myself a landscape photographer- I am a photographer that uses landscape and nature as inspiration and as a compositional component in my art.  

Andrew VonBank is an award-winning photographer based in St. Paul, Minnesota.  As a student of art history and studio art he began studying as a painter, but quickly realized the power of photography and film.  Fine art and landscape photography have always been Andrew’s passion and his works have been showcased in many local and regional exhibitions.  Andrew’s work is also part of the permanent collection of the Minnesota Governor’s Mansion.  Andrew earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Minneapolis College of Art & Design.  He has worked as Photographer for the Minnesota House of Representatives since 1991

AWARDS & EXHIBITIONS

2015 Cass Gilbert's Masterpiece: 3 Perspectives, Flaherty & Hood,  Saint Paul, MN

2014 Showcase exhibition at the Little Parrot Art Sanctuary, Stillwater, MN.

2013 Ambient Light Exhibition, Minneapolis Photo Center

2013 Minnesota State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition

2012 Fall Member Exhibition, Duluth Photography Institute

2012 Spring Member Exhibition, Duluth Photography Institute

2011 Early Morning, After Dark Exhibition, Minneapolis Photo Center

2010 Arrowhead Biennial Art Exhibition, Duluth, MN

2010 Landscapes Exhibition, Minneapolis Photo Center

2009 Minnesota State Fair Exhibition (photography)

2006 State House, Minnesota Governor’s Residence Permanent Collection

2005–2015 State House, Minnesota Legislative Reference Library Collection

2005 State House, Minnesota State Capitol Centennial Award