RSS
RHYTHM
Selections from the Susan Antone Photographic Archive
Albert Collins at Antone's Nightclub, Austin, Texas,
1985; di_04816. Susan Antone Photographic
Archive, Briscoe Center for American History,
University of Texas at Austin. © Susan Antone.
The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History
Research and Collections Reading Room
Sid Richardson Hall Unit 2
The University of Texas at Austin
On display through September 12, 2009.
View hours and directions or call 512-495-4518.
The exhibit Rhythm features 25 photographs of legendary blues musicians who have performed at Antone's Nightclub in Austin, Texas, during the past 30 years. The club's managing owner, Susan Antone, took the photographs in her on-going effort to chronicle the legendary club's visual history.
"The camera was my instrument," said Susan. "I took photos of the music, as much as the people." Her unlimited access to musicians including Albert Collins, Albert King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Marcia Ball and Carolyn Wonderland has resulted in an impressive body of work. Her pictures have inspired posters announcing the musicians performing at Antone's. And while some of her photographs were published in Antone's: The First Ten Years (1985) and Picture the Blues (1986), many have never been reproduced.
Susan Antone continues the legacy of her late brother Clifford Antone, who founded "The Home of the Blues" 34 years ago. Susan remembers her brother's gift for bringing together musicians who might seem to have little in common. "Clifford always found a common thread to bring together young and old, and musicians from all genres," she noted. "The music that came from that was amazing." Susan's photographs echo her brother's legacy, bringing together musicians of all styles and reflecting her own devotion to the blues. She continues to welcome performers to the club and to nurture musical talent.
To preserve the legacy of Antone's, Susan selected the Dolph Briscoe Center for American History as the permanent archive for her photographs, adding to the center's extensive photographic and musical resources.
A selection of photos from the exhibit will be on display at Austin City Hall June 15–21, 2009, as part of a commemorative display honoring outgoing Mayor Will Wynn. Eight of the Gibson Guitar sculptures from the Austin GuitarTown project will be donated to the city and will be on display in the atrium of City Hall. Antone’s photos will enhance and complement the guitars. Please contact Jean Graham for more information on the Austin City Hall display: 512-974-9313.
For more information, contact: Erin Purdy, Associate Director for Public Affairs, 512-495-4692.