PORTLAND, MAINE.- SPEEDWELL announces the release of The Haunted—Contemporary Photography Conjured in New England, a limited-edition art book that brings together the region’s rich literary past with its vibrant contemporary photographic scene. The 152-page volume pairs poetic works from the past two centuries with striking photographs by 21 artists working across New England today. A panel discussion and two exhibitions will take place in Portland this October in conjunction with the release of The Haunted.
The Haunted highlights the different ways in which the art and technology of photography can reveal mysterious and magical dimensions of the world, as well as conjure new possibilities and ways of seeing. The Haunted also invokes histories unique to New England, including early Puritanism with its fear of witchcraft and sorcery, as well as the rich tradition of lyric and confessional poetry created by New England poets.
Radioactive Firefly, Peter Shellenberger, 2019.
“The Haunted reveals a distinctly New England sensibility—the images are moody, introspective, and deeply attuned to the natural and supernatural qualities of the landscape,” said editor and photographer Jocelyn Lee.
The book features work by Tad Beck, Tabitha Bernard, Barbara Bosworth, Neville Caulfield, Caleb Charland, Jed Devine, Smith Galtney, Kate Greene, Pia-Paulina Guilmoth, Tonee Harbert, Cig Harvey, Dylan Hausthor, David Hilliard, Jocelyn Lee, Amanda Marchand, Leah Sobsey, Emily Sheffer, Peter Shellenberger, Wendy Small, Cheryle St. Onge, and Shoshannah White.
Autumn Stars, Caleb Charland, 2024.
Poets include Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost, Edna St. Vincent Millay, Mary Oliver, Marie Howe, Anne Sexton, Mihku Paul, and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
Edited by Jocelyn Lee and designed by Emily Sheffer, The Haunted is a hardcover, 11 ½ x 9 ¾ inch volume featuring 59 photographs and 11 poems. It is published in a limited edition of 500 copies and is available at
speedwellprojects.com for $65.
Apple Tree at Night, Jocelyn Lee, 2016.
The Haunted Special Events & Exhibitions
Panel Discussion and Book Release
Thursday, October 30, 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Portland Museum of Art
Join us for an evocative evening that explores the spirit and place of New England through the lens of photography. This panel discussion celebrates the launch of The Haunted: Contemporary Photography Conjured in New England, and brings together several featured artists in conversation with the book’s themes, their process of "conjuring" images, and their deep ties to the region. Moderated by Anjuli Lebowitz, PhD, Judy Glickman Lauder Curator of Photography at the PMA, the panel will share the book’s origin story and offer a glimpse into the haunting and beautiful work within its pages. Panelists include: Cheryle St. Onge, Pia Paulina Guilmoth, Jocelyn Lee, Peter Shellenberger, and Shoshannah White.
www.portlandmuseum.org/eventscalendar/2025/10/30/panel-discussion-the-haunted
Big Dipper with clouds passing, Barbara Bosworth, 2010.
Opening party and Book Launch:
Thursday, October 30, 7 p.m.—Midnight
Light Manufacturing, Cassidy Point, Portland - open to the public.
Exhibitions:
The Haunted at Moss Galleries, Falmouth
October 17-November 29
www.elizabethmossgalleries.com
The Haunted at Light Manufacturing, Cassidy Point, Portland
October 24-December 1
www.cassidypoint.com/light-manufacturing-studio
About SPEEDWELL Contemporary
SPEEDWELL Contemporary is an artist-run nonprofit based in Portland, Maine. We promote the creative work of women and queer artists who have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to their artistic practice.
speedwellprojects.com
