Exhibit review: international photography in PAC
Campus News October 30, 2025, Comments OffOn Friday, October 3rd, the “Where’s Bill” exhibit opened for viewers at the Pool Arts Center on the Drury Campus. The opening ceremony was held from 5-8pm that evening, showcasing photographer William Hart’s international photography.
Walking through the exhibit felt like I was on a journey with the artist. Each piece was a photograph taken from various places William Hart has travelled around the world over the past 15+ years.
Whether capturing an untouched view of nature or human lifestyle, each photo was unique, telling a story I had never seen before. I felt like I had travelled the world after sitting with each photograph.
This kind of project goes beyond an internet search or a quick click of a button when passing through an area. The photographs are a personal reflection of Hart’s experience as he ventured from place to place.
One piece of the collection that stood out to me was a photograph taken in Yosemite National Park, California, dated 2019. A small mountain side lined with trees is shown as the camara focuses on a body of water below, capturing the reflection.
The reflection shows a unique view, crystal clear as the water’s surface is completely still. The image implies that Hart was never there. That is the magic of amazing photography. This powerful skill continues to be demonstrated in many other pieces throughout the collection.
Hart chose to capture people as well as nature and cityscapes. In a photograph from Scottland, taken in the year 2012, a herdsman stands in a pasture holding a young dog and staff as he herds a small group of sheep alongside other sheepdog.
The image not only shows the beautiful Scottish countryside, but a man performing a daily task. It is simple as well as captivating.
Hart shows viewers that true discovery can be found in the simple act of sitting and observing life, with no other motive than to capture its pure identity.
We are lucky as viewers to engage with art as truthful and unbothered as this. The collection inspires us to explore and find out the wonders of the world for ourselves.
The “Where’s Bill” exhibit is one of many great exhibits that has been available for students, professors and others in the Springfield area to view.
The exhibit is being held in the Pool Arts Center until the 31st of October. Soon after, the PAC will set up a new exhibit to showcase other artists. I recommend visiting a few of the other exhibits; you might find a new favorite artist.
Photo courtesy of Drury Pool Arts Center Gallery website
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