MINNEAPOLIS, MN.- The Minnesota Artists Exhibition Program at the Minneapolis Institute of Art is presenting “Prediction Error,” an exhibition of works by Minneapolis-based photographer Beth Dow. Through a series of large-scale landscapes as well as a collection of still-life images, this exhibition challenges the viewer’s perception of reality. Dow’s work is significant for its dissection of photo theory and its ability to disassociate viewers with what they know to be real. “Prediction Error” is on view from July 19 through October 28, 2018.

The exhibition includes an installation of The Valley, a series of 10 large, dark landscapes focusing on perception and the interplay among the senses, intellect, and emotions using the conventions of landscape. Dow uses regional terrains and simple interventions such as removing backgrounds to tread cautiously into the gray area between attraction and repulsion. These landscapes place the viewer on a valley floor, confining them and challenging their fears. The works are both beautiful and menacing—asking viewers to confront what they think they understand.

Other works in “Prediction Error” include smaller still-life images, which dig deeper into perception and what happens when we try (and fail) to make sense of what we see.
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From a young age, Beth Dow was exposed to photography and has always been fascinated by light. She is interested in examining the ways in which we shape and experience our environment, and especially in using photography to mediate that experience. Her work has been exhibited in America, Britain, Japan, China, Switzerland, and Germany, and has received awards including Grand Prize in the inaugural Photography.Book.Now competition, top-six finalist in the 2007 Critical Mass Book Award, and fellowships from the McKnight Foundation and the Minnesota State Arts Board. Dow’s photographs have been reviewed in publications including The New Yorker, Wall Street Journal, and Boston Globe. She received a BA in studio art from St. Olaf College and an MFA in photography from the University of Minnesota.

Founded in 1975, the Minnesota Artists Exhibition Program (MAEP) is a curatorial program of the Minneapolis Institute of Art, dedicated to exhibiting and supporting artists living and working in Minnesota. MAEP is located in Mia’s U.S. Bank Gallery.