ART! Riding the Wind – Paul M. Murray

by Nancy Thomas

n a special member solo presentation, we are hosting Paul Murray’s Riding the Wind  to celebrate Rhode Island’s sailing heritage with a focus on the 12-metre yachts, formerly America’s Cup contenders, and still actively Riding the Wind for leisure and competition. Previous versions of this exhibition have traveled widely across Cuba as part of a cultural mission in that island nation. Paul’s award-winning travel, nature, marine and aviation photography has been exhibited extensively throughout the United States as well as in Cuba, Greece, Hungary, and Spain.

Paul M Murray: 

My interest in 12-metre yachting dates to my youth living in Newport, RI, during the heady days of America’s Cup 12-metre racing. As a kid watching the America’s Cup races from the deck of a U.S. Navy destroyer escort, I knew only a little about photography and less about sailing. 

Growing up close to the waterfront, I enjoyed walking the piers during the America’s Cup activity. The 12-metre yachts always seemed sleek, well designed and a skillful integration of nautical engineering and beauty. Watching the crews, I appreciated the pride that they took in their teamwork, attention to detail, and their performance.

While I never became a sailor, I did pursue photography. Not until a decade ago did 12-metre yachting become one of several focal points for my photography. By that time, the America’s Cup had shifted from 12-metre designs to more high technology alternatives, but the 12-metre community worldwide was still very much alive, well and energetic. 

My curated exhibition, “Riding the Wind”, focuses on the spirit, action, and intensity of 12-metre competitive sailing on Rhode Island’s Narragansett Bay and offshore waters over six years, and features at least ten of the yachts that participated in the America’s Cup races. 

I hope you enjoy this view of these legendary yachts, their skilled crews, and the spirit of their competition. – Paul

___

In tandem with “Riding the Wind”, we have invited Rob Migliaccio and Daniel Forster to look at sailing on the collegiate level and the international stage to feature a selection of publication and award-winning photographs in Voyages and Victories.

Opening Reception: May 19th 5:00 – 8:00pm – Gallery opens at Noon for viewing.
Masks are Required for all indoor events
Gallery Exhibition: May 19th – June 10th
Gallery Hours: Thursdays & Fridays Noon – 6:00pm, Sat 1:00 – 6:00pm. 
Gallery Visits: Available by appointment, email [email protected]

The RI Center for Photographic Arts, RICPA 118 N. Main St. Providence, RI 02903
Located in the heart of Providence, RICPA was founded to inspire creative development and provide opportunities to engage with the community through exhibitions, education, publication, and mutual support.

RICPA exists to create a diverse and supportive community for individuals interested in learning or working in the Photographic Arts. We strive to provide an environment conducive to the free exchange of ideas in an open and cooperative space. Members should share a passion for creating, appreciating, or learning about all forms of photo-based media. We work to provide a platform for artistic expression, that fosters dialogue and drives innovation in the photographic arts.

The Gallery at the Rhode Island Center for Photographic Arts is a member of Gallery Night Providence https://www.gallerynight.org/