Black on Black & White

Laura Gilpin worked with black-and-white film, light and a camera. Maria Martinez molded New Mexico’s red clay into glossy, smoke-infused black-on-black pottery. These two women and artists were unlikely contemporaries in the early 20th century, but a shared love of art and the American Southwest made their long friendship and collaboration possible. Philbrook Museum of Art celebrates the work of both in an exhibit entitled Black on Black & White: The Southwest of Laura Gilpin and Maria Martinez featuring Gilpin’s photographs of Martinez and her family at work at the San Ildefonso Pueblo home alongside original pieces from the New Mexico kiln. This striking display of stark refinement is hardly a colorless collection. Rather, viewers get the full spectrum of friendship and respect between two important American artists. The exhibit continues through April 15. www.philbrook.org