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With Photos of Rarely Seen Phenomena, National Geographic Exhibit Sparks Wonder — and Discussion About Climate Change

Sep 20, 2022
Visitors enjoy pieces at the National Geographic 'Rarely Seen' exhibit at LHAC

An art exhibition featuring 50 images captured by some of the world’s finest photographers is bringing viewers face to face with animals, landscapes and heirlooms rarely seen by human eyes.

Brought to Kean University’s Liberty Hall Academic Center gallery by the National Geographic Society, the display titled Rarely Seen: Photographs of the Extraordinary will run through Wednesday, November 23. A September 15 opening reception celebrated the exhibit for using unique artistic expressions to echo Kean’s emphasis on diversity, inclusion and social responsibility.

“By transporting us to far corners of the globe, these stunning photos open us up to what’s possible,” Kean President Lamont Repollet, Ed.D., said. “They give us a greater understanding of the people, places and animals that share our world, and they might just move us to affect meaningful change.”

The display is designed to connect art with sustainability, as will all 14 exhibits at Kean’s seven galleries this year, said Lynette Zimmerman, executive director of the Galleries at Kean. The theme is consistent with the mission of the galleries: building awareness of critical global issues.

“What you're seeing in each photo is a moment in time that may or may not be visible today due to climate change,” Zimmerman said. “It's important for us all to reflect on that because to live in a sustainable world means we have to be aware of the root causes of humanity's issues and willing to do our part to make the world a better place.”

The exhibit, which greets visitors with a large image of a white tiger, fills two spaces at the center: the gallery and the adjacent exhibition hall. During tours, guest experience associates highlight challenges to sustainability at some of the photographed sites.

The guides include Kean students, who fill numerous roles within the University’s galleries. Two of those venues are dedicated to displaying student work, and Kean offers additional creative opportunities through multi-departmental projects for those pursuing liberal and fine arts.

“In connection with the National Geographic exhibit, we have a storytelling program for students enrolled in the English and Communication departments,” Zimmerman noted. “After engaging with the exhibit, the students will write short stories, and the top stories will be exhibited in a pop-up exhibit for everyone to see.”

Another collaboration brings a new internship opportunity to Kean for students studying liberal or fine arts. The Creative Economy Experience Internship Program, announced by Repollet during the reception, will match students with arts and cultural institutions including the National Geographic Society.

The Galleries at Kean and the Office of Career Services will work with 15 Kean students, who will receive guidance in writing résumés and submitting applications for internships. Students can also receive help with the costs of transportation, food and housing during internships.

“By giving them a taste of professional life, the program will expose those students to a world of possibilities,” Repollet said. “That’s fitting because broadening our perspectives is really what education and art are all about.”

Other opportunities to delve into art at Kean are open to everyone, including include artists’ talks and workshops offered in conjunction with gallery exhibits. For instance, the National Geographic exhibit will be complemented by a November 3 workshop on enhancing photographs with post-processing software. Admission is $5.

Rarely Seen is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free for Kean students and members of its faculty and staff. Others can buy tickets online or at the door. Pricing is “pay what you wish,” with a minimum of $5.

(L-R) a white male with gray hair, a light gray suit jacket, and dark pants, standing next to a white female with light brown hair wearing a paisley-designed top. Both have their backs to the camera admiring the photography on the wall.
A photograph of President Lamont Repollet, a Black male wearing a dark navy suit and silver tie, is standing behind a podium with a microphone attached, speaking to members who attended this event.
A Black male, with a black beard and mustache, wearing an all-black yankees baseball cap, and white collared shirt, is carrying a small Black male child, with black hair, gray t-shirt, jeans and black shoes. They are both admiring a photograph of orange lantern lights that are shining during the night-time.
President Lamont Repollet, a Black male wearing a dark navy suit and silver tie, is standing with 2 females, who appear to be in their early 20’s, both wearing all black. The female closest to the President has white skin and dirty blonde hair in a bun, and the female to the right of her has darker skin,and dark black hair, also tied up in a bun.
A wide shot of the photo gallery that displays framed photographs on the right and left walls, including the wall that is straight ahead. A diverse group of 6 females, and 1 male are admiring the photographs. Each individual is wearing business professional attire. The photo gallery has 2 tall, skinny tables with black table clothes touching the ground, that are spread out from each other towards the center of the room, and also holds 2 low-to-the-ground benches that are a lighter blue color.
On the right of the picture stands a diverse group of men and women that work for Kean University, dressed in business professional attire, admiring the photographs that are on the left side of the picture, hung up on the wall to view.

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