The Walsh Gallery to Host Photography Essay

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Untitled, c-print, 12" x 16", 2008. courtesy of Susan Nolan

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ (12/10/2009)(readMedia)-- The Walsh Gallery at Seton Hall Presents

"budi normal: photos from bosnia and herzegovina"

Monday, January 11 - Friday, February 12 2010

OPENING RECEPTION: Thursday January 21 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The Walsh Gallery at Seton Hall University is hosting a traveling exhibition by photographer Susan Nolan, Associate Professor of Psychology and United Nations representative for the American Psychology Association. Dr. Nolan's photographs capture the spirit of post-war Bosnia-Herzegovia, focusing on young people working to improve their lives in the aftermath of war. The images are quite different from the stereotypical depictions broadcast by American media outlets. Instead, Nolan captures youthful subjects engaged in leisure activities, providing positive portrayals of youth expressing their identities through their vocations and avocations. The energy radiated by the young people she encountered during her visits is incredibly uplifting.

Nolan's photographic essay was inspired by her recent trips to the region, the first of which dated to 2005. She stated, "I was struck by the contrast between the realities of life we saw in Bosnia compared to the images I had come to know through American mass media." Because Nolan's initial stay lasted 15 months and her husband Ivan is fluent in the local language, she was able to gain the trust and friendship of the people, resulting in images that penetrate the private worlds of her subjects. The exhibition will subsequently travel to the city of Banja Luka in Bosnia. The Walsh Gallery is open Monday through Friday, 10:30am to 4:30pm. Admission is free and open to the public.

For 150 years, Seton Hall University has been a catalyst for leadership, developing the whole student, mind, heart and spirit. Seton Hall combines the resources of a large university with the personal attention of a small liberal arts college. Its attractive suburban campus is only 14 miles by train, bus or car to New York City, with the wealth of employment, internship, cultural and entertainment opportunities the city offers. Seton Hall is a Catholic university that embraces students of all races and religions, challenging each other to better the world with integrity, compassion and a commitment to serving others. For more information, see www.shu.edu.