"Touring Tourism," 2022

Touring Tourism is a solo photography exhibition that serves as a reflective conclusion to Bainbridge’s Summer 2022 study abroad experience in Barcelona, Spain; Rome, Italy; and Prague, Czechia. These nine 16 x 20 inch works were printed in the Hartford Art School Color Darkroom using analog processes, involving both medium format and 35mm film. This series of work explores Bainbridge’s role as a tourist during her study abroad, ranging from the recognizable attractions to the lesser-known locations for cultural exploration.

The artist utilizes experimental darkroom techniques, creating dual exposures by layering negatives, as well as collaging multiple 35mm negatives into the circular silhouette of the enlarger head.

In her artist statements, Bainbridge explains the context of why including these images are important to her. In the text she explores observed cultural differences and the habits of tourists.

Bainbridge hopes that this body of work will open up a new perspective to viewers on how they travel and act in their position as a tourist.

Special thanks to the Sal Lopes | Herb Ascherman HAS Photographic Excellence Fund, the Walter Harrison Emeriti Association Scholarship, and the Women’s Advancement Initiative LEAD Stipend for making this project and exhibition possible.

Bainbridge, Megan. Touring Tourism, 2 Dec. 2022-5 May 2023, University of Hartford Mortensen Library, West Hartford, CT.

Gallery Image: Megan Bainbridge, Courtesy of Megarten.

Bainbridge, Megan. Bike Jesus Graffiti and a Plzeň Tram, Dual Exposed. 2022. C-print. 20 in x 16 in x 0.59 in (50.8 cm x 40.64 x 1.5).

Bainbridge, Megan. Men's Room in a Plzeň Lokal, Enlarged. 2022. C-print. 20 in x 16 in x 0.59 in (50.8 cm x 40.64 x 1.51 cm).

Bainbridge, Megan. Correfoc Sparks Over MACBA Skater, Dual Exposed. 2022. C-print. 20 in x 16 in x 0.59 in (50.8 cm x 40.64 x 1.51 cm).

Bainbridge, Megan. Barcelona Tram and Street Art, Dual Exposed. 2022. C-print. 20 in x 16 in x 0.59 in (50.8 cm x 40.64 x 1.51 cm).

Bainbridge, Megan. Light Trails Over the David. 2022. C-print. 20 in x 16 in x 0.59 in (50.8 cm x 40.64 x 1.51 cm).

Bainbridge, Megan. Holding Up the Leaning Tower with a Painted Negative. 2022. C-print. 20 in x 16 in x 0.59 in (50.8 cm x 40.64 x 1.51 cm).

Bainbridge, Megan. Parked Car in Positano, Enlarged. 2022. C-print. 20 in x 16 in x 0.59 in (50.8 cm x 40.64 x 1.51 cm).

You may read the artist statements for each individual work here and read them as a group here.

You may purchase reproductions of the work here

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