September 7 – 27, 2019
I Thought I Saw the Light
About the exhibition
Stay Gallery is pleased to present I Thought I Saw the Light, a solo photography exhibition featuring the works of Long Beach based photographer Jeffrey Robins.
I Thought I Saw the Light is a meandering exploration through “God’s country” from Pray, MT to the pious town of St. Ignacious. Embarking on a road trip in the tradition of photo documentarians before him, Robins pays homage to the history of the medium while also referencing the self-awareness of the Millennial experience. Perspectives oscillate playfully between the carefully considered and spontaneously reflexive; the viewer and photographer are often grounded in the scene itself, much the same way Robert Frank had done decades ago.
Persistent themes echo throughout I Thought I Saw the Light, scrutinizing life, death, legacy and God in a reflective and often revelatory fashion. Dark tableaus give way to light while man contends with nature and Christian symbols emerge from the landscape on the road that never ends.
Exhibition flyer for I Thought I Saw the Light – September, 2019
“Ring the bells that still can ring / Forget your perfect offering / There is a crack, a crack in everything / That’s how the light gets in.”
– Leonard Cohen from Anthem
About the artist
Jeffrey Robins
Jeffrey Robins is a storyteller.
He creates narratives which explore the emotional, cultural, and spiritual undertones of contemporary life. Using sequences of images layered with meaning and text, he explores the nuances of the human condition.
Robins’ subtle metaphors are often created through careful investigation of the subject’s surroundings; preferring sincerity over idealism in his work.
His practice is rooted in the empathetic investigations of Alec Soth, the prose portraits of Duane Michals, and the self-referential portrayals of America by Robert Frank and Lee Friedlander.
Born and raised in Southern California, he is a graduate of University of California San Diego and presently resides in Long Beach, CA.
Exhibition highlights
"I Thought I Saw the Light" opening reception – Image by Jeffrey Robins
"I Thought I Saw the Light" opening reception – Image by Jeffrey Robins
Jeffrey Robins, the artist behind "I Thought I Saw the Light" – September 7, 2020
"I Thought I Saw the Light" opening reception – September 7, 2020
"I Thought I Saw the Light" opening reception – Image by Jeffrey Robins
Photograph for "I Thought I Saw the Light", as part of a full series
Photograph for "I Thought I Saw the Light", as part of a full series
Photograph for "I Thought I Saw the Light", as part of a full series
Photograph featured for the exhibition flyer for "I Thought I Saw the Light"
Photograph for "I Thought I Saw the Light", as part of a full series
Downey High School field trip & artist discussion with Jeffrey Robins – September, 2019
Blind John Pope performing for the closing reception of "I Thought I Saw the Light" – September 27, 2020
Downey High School field trip & artist discussion with Jeffrey Robins – September, 2019
View more photos from the opening reception: