Photography trio "3" show in Roberts Art Gallery

On Jan. 31, Deen Babykhi (’19), Jacob Wilkes (’19) and Henry Hume (’20) opened their art show “3” in Samo’s Roberts Art Gallery. Running through to Feb. 14, “3” features photography work from all three artists. The three up-and-coming-artists have worked over a month to install their pieces, showing off each of their individual passions and interests. Following Mimi Gaudet’s (’19) solo photography exhibit, “3” is the second student-produced art show this year. Beginning in the classroom, students must have a gallery-viable set and the know-how to print, frame and install a cohesive show. Photography teacher Martin Ledford was pleased to see proactive student enthusiasm towards the large-scale project.“There is so much work that goes into producing and exhibiting a show. Solo exhibits provide the students first-hand experience that they would not otherwise get when providing a few pieces for a class exhibit,” Ledford said. Babakhyi, Hume and Wilkes have their unique styles and pursue different photography subjects outside of school. For several years now, Babakhyi has been dedicated to capturing adolescent life through a specific lens: skating. Having been recognized by the New York Times and the Getty Museum for his work, Babakhyi creates timeless gallery sets that capture the spirit of youthful rebellion and teenage energy.Babakhyi remarks that his photos allow him to take a step back from his own young adult perspective and observe his friends’ lifestyles under a neutral light. “Documenting my friends over the past few years has taught me so much about the ways teenagers interact with one another and has allowed me to create a lifelong bond with the people I’m closest to,” Babakhyi said.An avid explorer at heart, Hume’s energy lies in his love for the ocean and the adventures he creates with his closest friends. Alongside images of his local outings, Hume is also displaying his pieces from a recent humanitarian trip to Uganda at the “3” exhibit. “It’s important to put yourself in unusual situations because those are the times you remember. Getting out there and experiencing new things and meeting new people is what makes me happiest,” Hume said. Wilkes, an abstract painter, sculptor and photographer, has contributed directly to Santa Monica public works. He worked as an assistant on the Oneida project, a large-scale sculptural installation, and directed the painting of two murals. “I really wanted to do something fresh and exciting with the gallery. When designing the space, the experience of the viewer was the top priority,” Wilkes said.Ledford had nothing but positive things to say about the ambitious trio with special mention to the potential each of them held regarding their futures. “I am very proud of how much they are learning about the process of printing, editing and incorporating their work into the gallery. All three of these gentlemen are going into art after graduation and I’m convinced these three students will make significant contributions to the field,” Ledford said.