Rivet will feature a counter culture photography show throughout the month of February. Titled Darkness into Light, the exhibition will feature select pieces by a handful of counter culture photographers including Jeffery Scott, John Santerineross, Robyn Von Swank, Silent View, and local artist Chas Ray Krider.

The star of the show is Wayne Martin Belger who has contributed a Yama (or Lama) skull camera to the gallery. This pinhole camera, titled Yama, the Tibetan God of Death, is made from a real, 500-year-old Tibetan monk skull. The skull has been encrusted with opals, rubies, sapphires, and turquoise and partially plated with aluminum, brass, bronze, copper, gold, mercury, silver, steel, and titanium.

The back and front portions of the skulls have been detached and rejoined by two cameras. Each bronze and silver eye of the skull contains a pinhole, one for each camera. In the back of each camera is a finished contact print mounted on copper. The system allows for a 3D view of what Yama “sees.” This is a fully functioning piece that the artist has used for several photography series. The camera’s film chamber is located under the jaw.

Yama is an extremely rare piece that has only been shown one other time in Los Angeles. After creating Yama, Wayne took the skull to be blessed by a Tibetan monk. Prints of photos taken using the camera will also be on display in the gallery.

Co-owner Laura Kuenzli says, "This is a special piece to bring to the city because of it's exquisite nature. Yama is something that would be seen in the likes of a New York or Los Angeles gallery. It's an opportunity and honor to bring this to the city of Columbus."

And co-owner Scott Kuenzli says, “This is our Warhol for the year. We’re very excited to be showing Wayne Martin Belger's work.”

Darkness into Light will be on display from February 7-28 with an opening reception on Saturday, February 7 from 7-10p and a closing reception on Saturday, February 28 from 7-10p. Due to the sensitive nature of Wayne Martin Belger’s contribution, the Yama showpiece will only be on display during the opening and each following Saturday until the show closes. For a private viewing of the piece, please contact the gallery.

by Morgan Baughman

Photos courtesy of Wayne Martin Belger’s official website: boyofblue.com

Rivet - 1200 N High St - 614.294.8697

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