Ian Ruhter Showcases Monumental Exhibition at Lake Tahoe Gallery

Internationally acclaimed photographer Ian Ruhter is set to present a significant exhibition titled The Lake at the Haldan Gallery in South Lake Tahoe, California. This exhibition, showcasing a collection of contemporary ambrotypes and tintypes, will run from October 9 to December 11, 2023. An opening reception with the artist will take place on October 9, from 5 to 8 p.m., inviting the public to engage with his work.

Ruhter’s artistic journey has deep roots in this picturesque region. After being diagnosed with dyslexia as a child, he found his voice through photography while attending a class at Lake Tahoe Community College. Using a makeshift pinhole camera crafted from an oatmeal container, he discovered a unique perspective—one that mirrored his own worldview in an inverted manner. “At 26, I finally felt like I was able to speak,” Ruhter reflects, marking the beginning of his path toward international recognition.

A Unique Artistic Journey

As the photography industry transitioned toward digital formats, Ruhter sought authenticity in traditional methods. His exploration of wet collodion photography, a mid-19th-century technique utilizing glass and metal plates, led him to create groundbreaking works on an unparalleled scale. Notably, he transformed a box truck into the world’s largest wet plate camera, producing monumental ambrotypes and tintypes, some as large as 96 by 66 inches.

Ruhter’s exhibitions have garnered attention in major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and Paris. Despite this success, he harbored a desire to showcase his work at the very place where it all began—Lake Tahoe. The Lake fulfills this aspiration, featuring 68 images, including two of the largest wet collodion plates ever created. Alongside these striking visuals, the exhibition offers insight into Ruhter’s creative process.

A Celebration of Transformation

Ruhter articulates the significance of this exhibition, stating, “This exhibition is more than a homecoming. It’s about transformation, about finding your voice, and about returning to the place where it all began. For me, the treasure has always been here at the lake.” His reflections underscore the profound connection between his artistic evolution and the landscapes of his youth.

As anticipation builds for the opening reception, the community is invited to experience this remarkable showcase of photography. The Lake promises to be a celebration not only of Ruhter’s artistic journey but also of the enduring beauty of Lake Tahoe itself.

For those interested in attending the exhibition, details are as follows:

• Title: The Lake
• Artist: Ian Ruhter
• Dates: October 9 – December 11, 2023
• Opening Reception: October 9, 5 – 8 p.m.
• Location: Haldan Gallery, Lake Tahoe Community College, One College Drive, South Lake Tahoe, CA