Photo Essay: Anti-Intellectualism in Minnesota [Click an image to enlarge and read a description]

Artist Biography

Rick Swanson fell in love with the wonders of shooting and developing black and white film in 1974. It's a passion he still pursues, nuanced by his use of coffee to develop his images onto the negative. Rick is a chemist and educator by background, and those influences also make their appearance in his photography.

Artist Statement

For this exhibition, my images reflect anti-intellectual thought and action as I have witnessed it across our state. I'm concerned and sad about how public and private discussions of challenging topics have devolved into gaslighting, or conspiracy theories, or childish taunts. As you view each image, no matter what perspective or position you hold, consider your own arguments for or against the issue... has irrationality crept into your own thoughts and words?

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This activity is made possible through a grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council in cooperation with a private foundation.