Four Stories in Photography by Michael Donnelly

Four Stories in Photography

Michael Donnelly

May 12 - May 29, 2026

Reception: May 15, 5-7pm

Strata Gallery presents its Established Member solo exhibition, Four Stories in Photography by New Mexico based photographer Michael Donnelly. The exhibition opens May 12, with a special reception on May 15 from 5 to 7 pm.

Bringing together four distinct bodies of work, Four Stories in Photography reflects Donnelly’s long standing interest in narrative, place, and cultural memory. Working in both film and digital formats, and in black and white as well as color, Donnelly creates images that balance formal photographic structure with a strong sense of story. His work draws from a background in the cinema industries of Los Angeles and Santa Fe, as well as his experience living in Mexico City, all of which continue to shape his visual approach.

“I am an admirer of the formal photography masters, whose social activism, poetic sensibilities, and use of technology showed us ways to reveal the world around us,” Michael notes. “A strong core image allows the viewer to create a personal context beyond the photo work itself.”

The exhibition includes selections from a decade-long photographic essay documenting the construction of Frank Gehry’s Walt Disney Concert Hall, a tribute to the aftermath of the September 11 attacks in New York, photographs from an ongoing project on the American Ranch Rodeo, and a curated group of landscapes from the New Mexican Southwest.

From 2002 to 2012, Donnelly shaped a ten year photographic essay documenting the construction of Frank Gehry’s Walt Disney Concert Hall. What began as documentary coverage evolved into a personal interpretation of the creation of a universal work of functional public art, expressed through a technical progression of images. Printed selections from this architectural series will be exhibited alongside a continuous video slideshow of the complete fifty image edition presented at Strata Gallery. The presentation carries added resonance following the recent passing of architect Frank Gehry.

Another body of work reflects on a pivotal moment in American history. In September 2001, Donnelly was scheduled by his employer, Technicolor, to present a seminar on film and digital cinema in New York. After the events of September 11, he chose to travel to the city despite being offered the opportunity to cancel. Arriving one week after the attacks, he witnessed not only devastation but also an extraordinary effort by the city and its people to recover. As the 25th anniversary approaches, these photographs honor the people and first responders, recognizing the resilience and recovery that emerged from tragedy…

A very different subject appears in Donnelly’s photographs of the American Ranch Rodeo. Approaching the subject as an observer with a strong visual and narrative sensibility, he focuses on the populist celebration of history, tradition, and family found within working ranch communities. Distinct from the commercial spectacle of professional bull riding, the American Ranch Rodeo reflects real families and working people living their traditions in an atmosphere shaped by strong community spirit. Selections from this developing essay are included in the exhibition.

Also featured is a curated group of Southwest landscapes. Living in New Mexico continues to inspire Donnelly’s engagement with the fragile and dramatic environment of the region. His photographs reflect an awareness of humanity’s place within the landscape and the shared responsibility to honor and care for the land.

Michael Donnelly is a Santa Fe resident, self taught photographer, and cinema professional who has exhibited in California, New Mexico, and Mexico City. This exhibition marks his first solo show in New Mexico.

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