
In Exhibits and Collections, UC Fine Art Photographer Examines How We See
University of Cincinnati Assistant Professor of Fine Arts
currently has five works
at the Riffe Gallery as part of an exhibit featuring artists who illustrate the variety and complexity of photography as a medium by using everything from the earliest photographic processes to the latest digital technologies.
He describes his work in this exhibit as an examination of how we see, what we see and what merits being seen, and in fact, one of the works in the show as been acquired by the Columbus Museum of Art as part of its permanent collection.
That work, simply titled New Work #169, is actually an installation sculpture that incorporates ancient Greek and Roman statuary by unknown artists depicting now-unknown individuals and a satyr.
Explains Tate, This installation is an examination of institutional authority and the canonization of works of art. These unknown works carry whatever value and prestige they have based on two powerful forces: the weight of the notion of a museum and the value of preserved history."
Similarly, another work by Tate, titled New Work #141, was recently acquired by the Cincinnati Art Museum. The work consists of a series of 10 images that, collectively, serve as an exploration of process and practice in contemporary image viewing and production.
He states, The most valuable aspect of having works acquired by institutions is that these works are now placed within the context of an institution, which inherently affects their context and brings additional gravity to the work by being within the context of art history. They will now have a separate, enduring life. They will continue to engage in a dialogue with the rest of art history, under the stewardship of the Cincinnati Art Museum."
New Work 141, along with several others by Tate, was also recently acquired by the
, a Cleveland-based effort to collect and invest in photography-based art and artists.
UPCOMING EXHIBITS
In September, Tate will exhibit one work in a Stockholm, Sweden, exhibit titled
at the Gallery Steinsland Berliner. After that, in the fall, from Sept. 15-Oct. 15, he will also have a solo exhibit of a dozen works in New Yorks
.
In 2010, Aperture Magazine described
as wrestling with one of the key contemporary preoccupations of our field: photography qua photography. In other words: How do we see? What are suitable subjects for photography? And what are viable means of image-making?
About his New Work series, that same editorial went on: its not that the work is interesting just because it's new; it's interesting because it offers a compelling and quirky exploration of the work involved in new photography."
Tate deliberately titles his works using numbers because he believes it is the job of the work to communicate independent of title. What might be called an informative title narrows the experience, and more than I wish to inform, I want to invite viewers to engage in an experience.
Related Stories
Murals boost Cincinnati’s vitality, community development
July 9, 2025
Murals have a social and economic impact, says a new study by Hyesun Jeong, assistant professor of urban design in UC's College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning.
DAAPcamps 2025 draws nearly 300 attendees
June 25, 2025
DAAPcamps founder and UC faculty member Laurie Wilson speaks to Fox 19 on the history and success of DAAPcamps. Wilson is an associate director of student affairs and adjunct assistant professor in UC’s College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning (DAAP), where the camps have been held since 2011.
Message from President Pinto: Supporting our community amid...
June 24, 2025
UC President Neville Pinto shares letter related to the future of DEI at UC.