Laura Wilson: The Heartland

December 12 - February 22,2025

From Fort Works Art:

"Fort Works Art Gallery is proud to announce Laura Wilson: The Heartland, the second major solo exhibition by renowned photographer Laura Wilson at the gallery. For over 40 years, Wilson has captured the compelling stories, diverse communities, and unique spirit of the American West. This new exhibition explores life in Texas and the broader heartland through images of cowboys, rodeo trick riders, homecoming celebrations, football traditions, and the iconic horse signage of local businesses. These photographs provide a nuanced portrayal of the vibrant cultures and values that shape the West.

Laura Wilson's connection to Texas is both personal and professional. Although she grew up in Massachusetts, she has called Dallas home since 1966, where she and her late husband raised their three sons, including actors Owen, Luke, and Andrew Wilson. Her career began as an assistant to Richard Avedon on his landmark project In the American West. Immersed in Texas's landscapes and communities, Wilson's experiences with Avedon profoundly shaped her visual storytelling and further rooted her in the state's cultural landscape.

This exhibition comes at a critical moment in our cultural climate, offering an opportunity to reflect on the values and traditions of Texas and the heartland. As conversations about regional identity and the evolving definition of American culture take center stage, Wilson’s photographs provide a lens through which we can appreciate the dignity, resilience, and shared humanity that define Western life. By exploring both the iconic and lesser-known aspects of the region, this show fosters a deeper understanding of Texas's role in the broader cultural dialogue.

Wilson’s approach is uniquely collaborative, often requiring extensive time and trust-building to gain access to insular communities. This commitment to authenticity has allowed her to capture her subjects in candid, unguarded moments, adding depth and honesty to her work. Her portrayal of the Hutterites, a secluded religious community in Montana, is one such example where her patience and respect have enabled her to provide rare insights into a largely private culture.

Over her distinguished career, Wilson has documented an extraordinary array of Western subjects with a commitment to authenticity and complexity. Her work, featured in leading publications such as The New York Times Magazine and Vanity Fair, elevates everyday Western life to the level of fine art. Her acclaimed monographs, including That Day: Pictures in the American West and Watt Matthews of Lambshead, have cemented her status as one of the defining photographers of the American West.

“Wilson’s ability to capture the feelings of those of us who have always lived in Texas, and create such authentic work for those who have not, makes her such an important photographer and one who is very special to us and our city.” says Lauren Saba, Director of Fort Works Art Gallery. “She has captured moments of history that others have not, and her unique skill of knowing which places to shoot and being granted access to said places is an asset that cannot ever have a value assigned to it. It is a testament to her character and clearly shows the respect she has earned as an artist and creator.”

In addition to her magazine features and monographs, Wilson’s work has been exhibited at major institutions, including the Amon Carter Museum of American Art and the Booth Western Art Museum. Her images resonate with both art enthusiasts and casual viewers, bringing them closer to the values and traditions of the American West.

This exhibition is a must-see for anyone seeking to engage with the depth, beauty, and complexity of Western culture. Join us in celebrating Wilson’s remarkable vision of the heartland—unfiltered, authentic, and profoundly moving."

Reception: December 12, 2024 | 6-9 pm

Fort Works Art 2100 Montgomery Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
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