Bio
Atlanta native Susan Wirt studied in New York and London to become a classical musician. After working as a professional bassoonist for several years, she held management positions in a tech firm before moving to higher education, where she served as the Executive Director of Continuing Education at Columbus State University in Columbus, Georgia. Wirt retired in 2020 and, after 20 years of creating lifelong learning opportunities for the community, took a “busman’s holiday” and studied digital photography. With an affinity for contemporary painting and sculpture, she became intrigued with creating similar effects with digital tools. That began the road to exploration and a burning desire to make photos that enable the viewer to look for something else.
Artist Statement
I am fascinated with seeing abstraction in the ordinary. My camera is a tool used to create visual narratives that challenge the viewer to redefine what they see. There is an exciting serendipity in producing images with multiple exposures and intentional camera movement techniques in order to alter what is there and question what is seen. My work evokes a sense of belonging as I explore the beauty in unexpected places, even those disrupted by abandonment and neglect. These images invite you to look beyond what you initially see.
Exhibitions
2024
Columbus Artist Guild - Columbus, GA
Slow Exposures - Zebulon, GA
Slow Exposures - Cochran Gallery, LaGrange, GA
Fifth LaGrange Southeast Regional - LaGrange Art Museum
Find Your Voice: Fragments Online exhibition found until September 22, 2024.
Abstract Rhythm and Blues: Roots and Reflections. Online exhibition found until September 29, 2024
Bo Bartlett Center - Beyond Go Figure V
2023
Atlanta Photography Group - Concepts 2023 - Abstraction: Envisioning a Different World
Bo Bartlett Center - Beyond Go Figure IV
Columbus Artists' Guild - Members Exhibition Award: Photography Media - Second Place