When thinking of beautiful photography, one might imagine a sunset-melted beach with a panoramic landscape—not a closed concrete slaughterhouse with hints of haunt. But with its unique lighting and giant hoists supported by a 30-foot-high ceiling, the interior of SlaughterhouseSpace, former abattoir and now art gallery in Healdsburg, is a photographer’s dream location.
After photographer Susan Spann created a fascinating series of images featuring the building itself, the space was then opened to 20 other photographers, all inspired to produce works in their individual styles. The result, “In My Back Yard,” is an exhibit of those photographs and films.
Traditional shows and museums might give a slap on the hand for whipping out your phone, but IMBY’s curators Dominic Egan and Pat Lenz encourage social media by visitors, letting the audience contribute to the “larger story about creativity.”
“In My Back Yard” runs Sept. 15–Oct. 27, Friday–Sunday by appointment. Opening reception, with live performance by Jordan Essoe, on Saturday, Sept. 15, 5–7pm. SlaughterhouseSpace at Duchamp Winery, 280 Chiquita Road, Healdsburg. Free. 707.431.1514.—Catherine Zaw
