AUBURN, IND.- The work of eight new media artists from around the world is on view at Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, Auburn University in the exhibition, "Camera Lucida," Aug. 27 through Jan. 7 in the Bill L. Harbert Gallery and Gallery C. “In the same way artists in previous eras used oil paint, printing and other media, artists today claim video for new visual and conceptual purposes,” said curator of collections and exhibitions Dennis Harper of Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. While the technology is rooted in the 1920s, video art dates back 50 years, ranging from documentary formats to game-playing interactions. “This exhibition highlights how age-old intentions find new purpose in new applications,” Harper said.

Before the modern photographic camera, an ancient device known as the camera obscura captured images of the outside world and projected the images into an unlit interior space. Camera lucida translates as an illuminated space. “We borrow the latter term for the title of this exhibition to characterize the modern, luminous and unrestrained form of image making that is demonstrated in this exhibition,” Harper said. “Video has developed into a comfortable, accessible, and—to a growing number of users—preferred medium for both consumption and creation. Many critics consider it to be this generation’s quintessential format for expression.”

“Camera Lucida” features Jay Bolotin, Rob Carter, Joe Hamilton, Yeon Jin Kim, LigoranoReese, Jillian Mayer, Rosa Menkman and Rick Silva. Harper says the artists offer fresh perspectives on enduring concerns and new issues.

As a part of the FILM@JCSM series organized by the museum and the College of Liberal Arts, three of the “Camera Lucida” artists are coming to campus to meet with students, faculty and the community. On Thursday, Sept. 8, Jillian Mayer gives her talk; on Thursday, Sept. 29, Robert Carter will speak, and on Thursday Nov. 3, Rick Silva will present. All “FILM@JCSM” programs are held in the museum auditorium at 5 p.m., and admission is free.

Other exhibitions on view include “Out of the Box: A Juried Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition,” "Call and Response," featuring artists from the university community alongside art and natural history collections, plus selections from the museum's permanent collection.