The Fascinating Photography of Euphus Ruth – Recently Spotlighted at The Walter Anderson Museum of Art
By Johnny Cole
Photos by Stephen Anderson
Edited by Brenda Germany
The Walter Anderson Museum of Art in Ocean Springs, Mississippi continues to bring numerous outstanding exhibitions and events to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. On January 8 of this year, the museum hosted Euphus Ruth’s “Photography: Language of the Dead”. The promo for this event read: “Venture into the spirit realm with photographer Euphus Ruth and explore the history behind photography and material culture regarding the afterlife.” In coordination with Ruth’s talk and demonstration, the exhibit “Language of the Dead Pop-Up Exhibition: Collodion Plates and Mortuary Photography from the Collection of Euphus Ruth” was on view for much of the day at the Art Cottage across from the museum. Southland Music Line photographer, Stephen Anderson, attended the event and spoke with Euphus Ruth.
During the day’s event, Ruth (who grew up in the hills of north Mississippi and has lived in the Mississippi Delta for more than 40 years) demonstrated the method of wet plate collodion photography. This historical method, invented in 1851, was used to document the dead on the battlefields during the Civil War and throughout the late 19th century. This era’s post-mortem photographs of family members often became highly regarded keepsakes.
Top Photo: Euphus Ruth at The Walter Anderson Museum of Art in Ocean Springs, Mississippi; Above photo: Euphus Ruth demonstrating the method of wet plate collodion photography
Those who were fortunate enough to attend the event learned a great deal about the history of mortuary photography and a wide range of items used in developing the photographs. Several attendees were able to be photographed by Ruth using this captivating method.
When discussing this event with photographer, Stephen Anderson, he had nothing but admiration for Euphus Ruth’s skillful talent and ability to demonstrate this historical method of photography. Anderson, who studied at The University of Southern Mississippi, attended the Artography Academy in North Hollywood, California and has been influenced by several fellow photographers (including his friend and mentor, fashion photographer Alfredo Demollie) is an enthusiastic admirer of the history of photography.
Euphus Ruth spent the day at the Art Cottage across the street from the Walter Anderson Museum of Art demonstrating to several groups the historic method of wet plate collodion photography
We who live on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and across the region have come to value The Walter Anderson Museum of Art greatly. It continues to bring an outstanding array of art exhibits and excellent presentations to our area. This recent event spotlighting the work of Euphus Ruth is another fine example.
Ruth’s work can be viewed and purchased by appointment at A Gallery For Fine Photography in New Orleans, Louisiana and in Greenville, Mississippi.
The Southland Music Line encourages our readers to visit the Walter Anderson Museum of Art at 510 Washington Ave. in Ocean Springs, Mississippi.
Click Here to learn earn more about The Walter Anderson Museum of Art and the man whose art is always on display.
Click Here to also learn more about Euphus Ruth and “Photography: Language of the Dead”.
The following photos from event were taken by Stephen Anderson:
Euphus Ruth at the Walter Anderson Museum of Art’s “Art Cottage” in Ocean Springs, Mississippi
Euphus Ruth at the Walter Anderson Museum of Art’s “Art Cottage” in Ocean Springs, Mississippi
Euphus Ruth at the Walter Anderson Museum of Art’s “Art Cottage” in Ocean Springs, Mississippi
Euphus Ruth demonstrating the method of wet plate collodion photography
Portable dark room used in the historic method of wet plate collodion photography
Euphus Ruth’s “Photography: Language of the Dead” exhibit items
Euphus Ruth’s “Photography: Language of the Dead” exhibit item
Euphus Ruth demonstrating the method of wet plate collodion photography
Euphus Ruth demonstrating the method of wet plate collodion photography
Euphus Ruth demonstrating the method of wet plate collodion photography
Euphus Ruth demonstrating the method of wet plate collodion photography
Euphus Ruth demonstrating the method of wet plate collodion photography
An example of wet plate collodion photography
An example of wet plate collodion photography
Julian Rankin, Executive Director at the Walter Anderson Museum of Art
Sarah Dutton (Marketing Coordinator at Walter Anderson Museum of Art) with Euphus Ruth
Euphus Ruth photographing Sarah Dutton (Marketing Coordinator at Walter Anderson Museum of Art)
Sarah Dutton (Marketing Coordinator at Walter Anderson Museum of Art) with Euphus Ruth
Euphus Ruth at the Walter Anderson Museum of Art’s “Art Cottage” in Ocean Springs, Mississippi
Page Designed & Edited by Johnny Cole
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