COLUMBUS.- Picturing Power brings together for the first time selections from Paul Shambroom's five most important series to date--"Factories" (1986-88), "Offices" (1989-90), "Nuclear Weapons" (1992-2001), "Meetings" (1999-2003), and the ongoing series "Homeland Security" (begun in 2004). In "Picturing Power" Shambroom addresses the places and practices of power in America. Together these series explore how everyday citizens intersect with the dominant institutions of their times. Shambroom's images are remarkable both for their stark portrayal of people and places of power and as evidence of his access to the sites. Negotiating access in an open and democratic manner is a hallmark of the artist's process. Embodying curiosity, persistence, and empathy, Shambroom's work illustrates and champions engaged citizenship and democracy. This exhibition was organized by The Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum, University of Minnesota; the University Art Museum, California State University. Long Beach; and the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center.

Paul Shambroom is a photographer who explores American power and culture. His work is in the collections of many major American museums and has been exhibited internationally. His photographs have been published in two monographs: Face to Face with the Bomb: Nuclear Reality After the Cold War (2003), and Meetings (2004). He has received fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation and the Creative Capital Foundation, among others. His current project “Security” documents official U.S. government preparedness and training in the aftermath of 9/11. A survey exhibition (with full catalog) of Shambroom’s major projects will travel to museums throughout the U.S. in 2008-2009. Paul was born in Teaneck, NJ and lives in Minneapolis.