Local donors gift Ansel Adams’ “What Majestic Word” to MOPA

Local donors gift Ansel Adams’ What Majestic Word to the Museum of Photographic Arts 

SAN DIEGO – The Museum of Photographic Arts has been gifted, by Dr. Sally M. Gall and Dr. Einar Gall, the Ansel Adams’ What Majestic Word portfolio of 15 photographs for its permanent collection.

What Majestic Word has been generously on loan from the Galls, and after living in La Jolla for years the couple believes that MOPA will make an excellent permanent home.

“We have been members of MOPA since we arrived from New York City in the early 1990’s, and greatly admire their exhibitions and programs. We hope that the portfolio will continue to give pleasure to San Diegans and to many others through traveling exhibitions – as it has to us over the years,” said the Galls.

Dr. Sally Gall’s father, Dr. John A. Moore, was an admirer of Ansel Adams’ work and originally purchased a copy of Portfolio Four: What Majestic Word in 1963.

Adams’ portfolio consists of prints organized in memory of his dear friend, Russell Varian who was a scientist and dedicated conservationist.

Adams’ photographs capture the sensual environments that Varian adored and the natural geometry that sparked his scientific curiosity.

“We welcome the donation of this wonderful Ansel Adams portfolio because his work is so closely aligned with all that MOPA values,” said MOPA Executive Director Deborah Klochko.

As Adams wrote in 1982, “Photography is ready for an enormous venture into a new world of observation, creation and communication,” – the very principles that MOPA explores.

What Majestic Word is a special micro exhibition on display through May 16, 2017, at MOPA.

 

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The Museum of Photographic Arts is a center for visual learning located in San Diego’s Balboa Park. Its mission is to “inspire, educate and engage the broadest possible audience through the presentation, collection, and preservation of photography, film and video.” As a 501(c)(3) organization, MOPA is generously supported by members, individuals, corporations, foundations and government agencies. Learn more at www.MOPA.org.

MOPA offers Pay What You Wish admission six days a week. San Diego City and County residents are free the second Tuesday of every month.