Untitled, n.d.
Ted Kuykendall (American, 1953-2009)
Gelatin silver print, toned
Gift of Dr. Richard and Susan Streeper
1986.561.1
Ted Kuykendall is remembered for his intensity and originality as a person and an artist. He used photography as a vehicle for exploring the shadowy corners of human existence, creating dense, cryptic imagery. Kuykendall constructed many of the scenes he photographed, using found objects and collage. To make each work a reflection of internal states rather than of external reality, he manipulated his large black-and-white prints using chemicals and darkroom techniques. The resulting effects were somewhat unpredictable and made each print a virtuoso performance and absolutely unique. As a young man, Kuykendall attended the New Mexico Military Institute and became an apprentice to the late sculptor Luis Jiménez. He learned about photography from a friend, Richard Schaeffer, and later went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of New Mexico.
The artist was awarded fellowships in the Roswell Artist-in-Residence program in 1985 (the first photographer to be so honored) and 2007, as well as being a recipient of the Willard Van Dyke Memorial Grant from the New Mexico Photo Council, in 1991. Kuykendall was born in Roswell, New Mexico, where he died on October 5, 2009.
Exhibitions honoring his life and work are on view at the Roswell Museum and Art Center through March 21, 2010, and at the Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art through the end of 2009.