By JENNI LESTER
A photography exhibit at the Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum, “Vital Signs: Images of Biodiversity,” portrays the diversity of life in a new light.
Douglas Cox, assistant director of the museum, said Tom Magelsen’s photography “is geared towards helping us understand living things.” He said Magelsen’s objective is to “portray nature in its splendor and grandeur,” and to help society learn to love, appreciate and protect life.
Randy Baker, graphics designer for the museum, said, “Nature is so important. We need to take a close look at it and preserve what we have before it’s too late.”
Cox said Magelsen enhances his photos through his unique style to give the viewer a new perception of the world.
The public will see things they have seen before, but in a different way, Baker said. They will also see things that are unfamiliar to them.
The exhibit follows five basic themes: “Vital Signs,” “Portraits,” “Patterns,” “Contact” and “Horizons.”
Baker said “Vital Signs” portrays how all forms of life make the world a unit. He said it allows the audience to see how life depends on more than “just what the average person sees.”
Magelsen’s photographs from “Portraits,” Baker said, “give the wildlife that he’s shooting character.” He said the animals in the photos appear more lovable and less generic than in the average picture.
Cox said “Patterns” illustrates patterns and connections in life. He said sometimes people have to study the animals together to get the true story.
Baker said “Contact” shows how differently animals interact with each other. He said his favorite picture is of a polar bear walking along the ice and completely ignoring a dog that is threatening him.
“Horizons” shows the broad picture of the land and the life it supports. According to a booklet about Magelsen’s photography, by Charles Craighead, “Tom’s photography began to reflect the importance of habitat. Instead of taking close portraits of wild animals, he stepped back to reveal the diverse and unique places that supported them.”
According to the booklet, Magelsen’s father was not a biologist but loved nature and instilled in his son an appreciation for the natural world, especially around the Platte River.
Cox said Magelsen studied the details of science and biology in college and turned to photography during his post-graduate work.
The exhibit will be on display through April 24.
