Same places, different looks

“Chesterfield Gorge, Summer 2025,’’ by David Gloman, in his show “Landscapes in Flux: Studies of Place,’’ at Springfield (Mass.) Museums through Sept. 20.

The curator explains:

“For David Gloman, the process of visual distillation—in which elements of a composition, such as line and texture, are subtracted or reduced—allows the essence of his subjects to shine. By refining visual stimuli and leaving only the essentials, his technique has a clarifying effect, capturing a sense of place and the feeling of a fleeting instance. In “Landscapes in Flux’’, the artist sets his sights towards New England scenery, returning to the same locations at different times of day and seasons. The Old Dam, Westfield River, and the Chesterfield Gorge are observed over the years from different perspectives. When viewed together, Gloman’s paintings are a synthesis of past and present experiences.’’

‘We are Nipmuc’

Photo by Scott Strong Hawk Foster, in the show “Ways of My Ancestors: We are Nipmuc, We are the freshwater people,’’ at the Springfield (Mass.) Museums, through Jan. 4.

The museum explains that Scott Strong Hawk Foster is a Black-Native American photographer whose roots include Nipmuc, Mohegan, Blackfoot, and Cherokee lineage. “Scott’s images tell a story. They enable the viewer to feel the atmosphere, mood, and emotions of his subject in that moment. He endeavors to share his artistry and experiences through the lens of his camera.’’

Also part of the show is Andre StrongBearHeart Gaines Jr., a citizen of the Nipmuc people. “He serves as a cultural steward for his tribe, and is a father, public speaker, traditional dancer, activist for indigenous rights, carpenter and educator. Andre’s work focuses on bringing traditional knowledge back to indigenous peoples.’’

Territories of southern New England Native American tribes in the 17th Century.

A time for reflection

“Laid Back, Eastern Chimpanzee, Gombe Stream National Park, Tanzania’’(photo), by Tom Mangelsen, at Springfield (Mass.) Museums, in the ongoing show “Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards.’’

Clothing vs. figures

“Sisters With Pearls“ (acrylic), by Catherine Adams Burton, in the show “This is Us: Regional Portraiture Today,” at Springfield (Mass. Museums

The museum says that there is “ample paradox in Burton’s work, between the pageantry of the women’s clothing and the hard-cut outlines of their figures; between blended color and crisp definition of form. ‘Sisters with Pearls’ transcends regionalism, achieving the universal recognition of shared experience."

Right: Catherine Adams Burton, Sisters with Pearls, 2019, acrylic.