The visit to the UNM art museum was enlightening. Thr current exhibit covers technologies and works spanning the full history of photography. The premise behind the selection was that the definition of a masterpiece needs to be redefined periodically. Classic works were displayed amongst similar but unknown photographs. The result is striking.

     As an example, Ansel Adams' classic work "Moonrise over Hernandez, New Mexico" is no less striking than ever. When placed between two other crisp, striking outdoor images of similar size, new questions arise. Why is it so widely recognized as being a masterpiece? Is it twice as good as the others? Ten times as good? or perhaps just a little better? Or is there something about the image that strikes a chord inside that the others lack?

  All in all the exhibit is worthwhile. Just seeing the range of techniques used over the years, and understanding the differences between them would justify a visit. The range and quality of the works is a huge added justification.