UMF Art Gallery presents ‘Take Only What You Can Carry,” a real-life photographic exhibit by John Harlow, Feb 6 – Mar 28

FARMINGTON, ME  (January 21, 2025)—The UMF Art Gallery proudly presents ‘Take Only What You Can Carry,” a real-life photographic exhibit by John Harlow, UMF Art and New Media alumni of the class of 2013. The exhibit is on display from Thursday, Feb. 6 through March 28. An opening reception will be held Feb. 6, 4-7 p.m. Events are free and open to the public.

Harlow’s work in photography and video conveys intimate, raw documents of family life, domestic spaces, and personal chaos. Inspired by conversations and encounters in his photowalks through  poor and working-class neighborhoods of his hometown of Skowhegan, His work  is deeply human, combining elements of documentary photography with a painterly sensibility that invites viewers to confront discomfort, beauty, and vulnerability all at once.

John Harlow's photo, Diane’s Ring

John Harlow, Diane’s Ring


One of the most striking aspects of Harlow’s work is his empathy. These are his people and places. Despite the often painful subject matter, his images are never exploitative or sensationalized. Instead, they evoke a profound sympathy for the humanity of his subjects, in their opinions, frailties, joys and complexities.

His photographs remind us that beauty exists even in the most difficult and chaotic of circumstances—often precisely because of them. He is an artist whose work speaks to the complexity of family, memory and the human condition. His ability to capture both the banal and the extraordinary in a single frame or short interview is what makes his work so captivating, offering a rare and candid glimpse into the raw, unfiltered truths of existence.

Harlow graduated from the University of Maine at Farmington in 2013 in art and new media. Soon after graduation, he became the director of Somerset Community TV11, modernizing and expanding the channel’s technology and programming. He also works in the media lab at the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture. His photographs were featured in the 2018 Portland Biennial. Harlow is an active member of the Wesserrunsett Arts Council (WesArts).

The UMF Art Gallery is dedicated to bringing contemporary art to the campus and regional communities. The gallery is located at 246 Main Street, behind the Admissions Office. 

Gallery hours are Tuesdays-Sundays 12-4 p.m., and by appointment. Please contact Sarah at maline@maine.edu or 207-778-1062 for more information or to make an appointment. https://www.artgalleryumf.org/

More on University of Maine at Farmington

A nationally recognized public liberal arts college known for its commitment to the creative arts, teacher preparation, the health arts and sciences, the environment, business and public service, UMF provides a challenging yet supportive environment to prepare students for both careers and further study. Located in the heart of Maine’s four-season outdoor recreational region, UMF is a welcoming, close-knit academic community that prepares students for enriching professional careers, engaged citizenship and an enduring love of learning.

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EDITOR’S NOTE:

Image:  https://www.umf.maine.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/1/2025/01/RP245-023.jpg
Photo Caption: John Harlow, Diane’s Ring
Photo Credit: Submitted Image

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