Monmouth University Press Release, 2005
Carnival Images and Video

"an insider's view of the carnival"

Monmouth University Presents Exhibit by Melanie Heinrich

Behind the Colored Lights – an insider’s view of the carnival

October 28 – November 23, 2005

Monmouth University is pleased to present “Behind the Colored Lights – an insiders view of the carnival,” a photographic essay and video documentary by Melanie Heinrich. The exhibit will be held at the 800 Gallery at Monmouth University October 28 through November 23 with an opening reception on Friday, October 28, from 7 to 9 p.m. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday from 2:30 to 4 p.m. and Friday by appointment. For more information, call 732-263-5507 or visit www.mhstudios.com/BTCL/btclenter.htm.

The photographic essay features colorful and moving images of carnival life and captivating portraits of “carneys” – the people behind the scenes. Heinrich offers a unique perspective and an insider’s view on the carnival. Her family has been in the business many years and she spent many of her summers working in a carnival. The photographs were taken throughout the past 31 years at various traveling carnivals throughout the United States.

As an artist, Heinrich is always looking for the edge to draw the viewer into the image. “These images appeal to the viewer because of their intimate quality; you can see the people are comfortable with me,” said Heinrich. “Some of the photographs display the transient quality of the life style by capturing the movement of color.”

Heinrich’s short video documentary allows the viewer behind the scenes of a carnival. She returned to her sister's carnival to take viewers on a poetic and evocative journey behind the colored lights. Melanie's moving video portrait of her sister, Debbie, and Debbie's husband Corky, reveals 6 generations of Carneys. Corky's great-grandfather started in the business when the first carnivals began -- during America's great depression of the 20s and 30s. At that time, small festivals were held in towns to promote an inexpensive form of fun often centered on farmers markets and farm animal contests. Suddenly these game and side shows popped up all over the country. Traveling from town to town was just a way to continue the concessionaires' income source. The family describes how the industry is changing rapidly, from a self serving cut throat business and becoming more like a “Disney on Wheels.”

Heinrich’s artistic career spans many decades and includes international gallery shows, photographic essays, and published texts. In 2004 her work was featured in a group show at POWY's Gallery, Shrewsbury, NJ. Heinrich operates a commercial photography studio creating photographs used in national and international advertising campaigns. www.mhstudios.com. Heinrich holds a BFA from Rochester Institute of Technology as well as a Masters in Liberal Arts from Monmouth University where she is currently a specialist professor and heads the photography area.

Heinrich is available for interviews. Please call Petra Ludwig at 732-263-5507.