Exploring Artistic Frontiers

Leonard Nimoy Recognized as Morton Visiting Artist

Carolyn Sherer, Leonard Nimoy, Jane Kelly, and Sonja Rieger

Though perhaps most well known for his role as Mr. Spock in the Star Trek TV series and movie franchise, Leonard Nimoy also enjoys a career as a photographer. On February 6, UAB hosted the acclaimed actor and artist at the UAB Visual Arts Gallery as the Department of Art and Art History’s 2009 John Morton Visiting Artist.

“Because of his fame as an actor and director, Leonard Nimoy brought attention to the UAB art department from different constituencies than we usually attract to our visiting artist programs,” says Erin Wright, chair of the Department of Art and Art History. “In turn, I think we gave people an opportunity to see another, albeit different, creative side of his personality.”

Nimoy’s interest in photography began in his teenage years, and he later studied the subject at UCLA in the 1970s. His works include “The Full Body Project,” an examination of concepts of beauty and sexuality, and “The Shekhina Project,” a work about the feminine essence of God.

“John Morton working to bring artists of Leonard Nimoy’s stature to UAB is a testament to his desire to give students the opportunity to experience art firsthand,” Wright adds. “In addition to his support for the visiting artist series that bears his name, he also has made his own significant collection available for students to see and study. There is nothing like being able to see actual works of art and hear the creator speak about his or her inspiration and technique. John strives to make that possible for our students.”

Maintaining the Momentum / Summer/Fall 2009