The gallery “Bruce Springsteen: A Photographic Journey” opened on Sept. 27th in Rechnitz Hall’s Dimattio Gallery and will be on display until Dec. 22nd.
The gallery is a part of the University’s standing as an official affiliate of the GRAMMY Museum, an interactive and educational museum dedicated to artists who have won the GRAMMY Award. On display through Dec. 22 at Rechnitz Hall’s DiMattio Gallery, the work will feature photographs of Springsteen from various shows throughout the years.
Springsteen, who was born at Monmouth Medical Center,has long been an icon for aspiring musicians and a staple of the Jersey Shore culture.
The gallery opening was moderated by University alumnus, Robert Santelli, class of 1973, and the executive director of the GRAMMY Museum. After the viewing, the photographers, Frank Stefanko, Ed Gallucci and Eric Meola opened the floor to questions. However, Danny Clinch and Pamela Springsteen, who also photographed Springsteen, were not present at the Q&A.
The University’s President Paul Brown said that the gallery has been a tremendous success in attracting viewers, as the spectator turnout for the opening ceremony exceeded expectations.
“’Bruce Springsteen: A Photographic Journey,’ has certainly attracted a great deal of media interest and continues to attract visitors. The opening reception last weekend brought our distinguished alumnus, Robert Santelli, back to campus for a moderated panel with some of the photographers whose work is on display,” said Brown. “Bringing these talented artists together is a wonderful example of the special benefits of our partnership with the GRAMMY Museum, and how fortunate we are that Mr. Santelli remains so involved with Monmouth University.”
The photographs, most of which are being shown for the first time at the exhibit, showcase Springsteen’s famously exciting live shows in which he puts on both a musical and physical performance. Additionally, Springsteen worked closely with many of the photographers in the assembly of the gallery.
Springsteen, who frequently sings about growing up in New Jersey, has resonated with adults and youths alike. Jessica French, a sophomore social work major, said that the exhibit made her realize how impactful Springsteen’s work is. French, who works at the University’s box office, handled many inquiries about the exhibit from interested New Jerseyans.
“People would call wondering about the exhibit and I realized that because he is famous the people feel like their home is more on the map in a sense,” said French. “Whenever someone famous is from your hometown, it always gives you a sense of pride.”
Brown also noted that the gallery does a fine job of combining music and art for an integrative experience.
“The structure of the exhibit, exploring the synergy between music and art, with Bruce Springsteen as the subject, really provides an interdisciplinary educational experience,” said Brown. The interactive elements, which include interviews with the photographers, also adds a deeper context to the artwork. Bruce Springsteen’s influence on American popular culture, especially here at the Jersey Shore, obviously contributes a great deal to the broad public interest in the exhibit.”
Additionally, Linda Foster, a Professor in the Music and Theater Arts department, said that Springsteen resonates so well because natives seem to embrace him as an authentic voice of the people.
Springsteen, who is widely regarded as one of the most prolific musicians in history, regularly performs surprise concerts across NJ bars after other acts have finished. Additionally, despite his immense fame, Springsteen has no issue foraying into the public eye.
Joe Rapolla, a Chair of the University’s Music & Theater Arts department, said that the University also contributed heavily to Springsteen’s growth as an artist.
“Bruce Springsteen has contributed so much to the identity of the Jersey Shore, and Monmouth University, College at the time, was an important early stomping ground for Bruce as he was developing as an artist and a live performer,” said Rapolla. “So it makes so much sense to have artifacts of Bruce and events like this here at the university”
The GRAMMY Museum, which curated the gallery, has enabled the University to take part in a number of exclusive events.
“Events like this are another great example of how we’re leveraging our affiliation with the GRAMMY Museum. Last spring we produced the Frank Sinatra Symposium and even went to the White House to meet First Lady Michele Obama as part of our affiliation,” said Rapolla. “There’ll be lots more coming out of our relationship with the GRAMMY Museum.”
PHOTO TAKEN by Richard Fellicetti
