Tools & Relics by Stephen Althouse at Lancaster Museum of Art

This special exhibition to the Lancaster Museum of Art will feature artwork from Pennsylvania-based artist Stephen Althouse. The large-scale black and white archival pigment prints feature minimalist assemblages of tools, cloth, and found objects arranged and photographed by Althouse. The artwork metaphorically expresses Althouse’s experiences with, observations of, and questions about humankind; often alluding to labor, spirituality, and warfare in a manner totally unique to this artist.

Raised in rural Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Stephen Althouse (b. 1948) grew up close to farmers and their work with earth and animals. Inspired by his love of artifacts and old farm tools, Althouse fabricated his early sculptures out of wood, leather, and forged metal to resemble primitive farming implements. Later, rather than making sculptures from raw materials, he began collecting already made objects which he loosely assembled together to create new artwork. He transitioned from sculptor to photographer when he discovered that when he was satisfied with his arrangement of objects, he could use photography as a tool to capture and control the perception of his work.

Althouse now resides and works creatively in rural Centre County, Pennsylvania and his family has gradually been accepted as close trusted friends by their Amish neighbors and community. Althouse’s unique life experiences with the Amish combined with memories of his rural upbringing and extensive travels serve as catalysts for his ideas.