Michener Gallery

The Michener Gallery is located on the 2nd floor of Kent State University's Main Library.

Open during library hours.

University Libraries
1125 Risman Drive
Kent, Ohio 44242-0001

Currently On View:

Selections from “The Creative Moment” portfolios

Tom Reaume (1944-2021)

Michener Gallery, 2^nd floor KSU Library

April 2025- October 2025

“This is not a photogram,” is written in pencil on the back of each of Tom Reaume’s works in the School of Art Collection. Indeed, they are not photograms, they are pure abstract photographs that most closely resemble drawing with light.

Modern photography traces its roots back to the invention of the camera obscura, which is a drawing aid used by artists and scientists to trace images using light as long ago as the 5th century. Pure abstract photography is created by using the camera to focus on light, shapes, colors, and textures, rather than realistically depicting a specific subject.

Tom Reaume’s images are an excellent example of pure abstract photography. He describes his research in his chosen medium this way “In 1981 I began this alternative style to still photography while

maintaining the basic framework of using light and a camera to create images. Through the abandonment of reflected light, I was able to eliminate much of the visually repetitive information that burdens richly detailed still photographs. The documentation style, in all its many flavors, was jettisoned in favor of Art. Is pure abstract photography the artistic limit of lens-based photography? Time and your consideration will tell. My style of image making is NOT experimental. It reveals my vision of nature and myself. Everything is moving, including my camera.”

Tom Reaume, originally from Windsor, Ontario, obtained a BSc in wildlife biology from the University of Guelph. While living in Guelph, he initiated the first Speed River cleanup in 1979 which continues to this day. In addition to his photography, he wrote, researched, designed, illustrated, and published eight books, 4 on his abstract photographs, and 4 on natural histories.

Reaume enjoyed life as a curious naturalist and artist, who loved to read, write, and create images. He lived by a simple motto: “The day was always full of possibilities”.