Fairfield University Art Museum will present "James Welling: Cento," a major exhibition of over 60 photographs by the renowned contemporary photographer, from September 25 to December 12, 2026. The show focuses on the classical world, featuring images of ancient Greek and Roman architecture and statuary, printed on plastic sheets and hand-altered with oil paint and pigment. It includes works from the Cento series (2019-2021) and the Personae series (2021-2022), alongside historic plaster casts from the museum's collection.
This exhibition matters because it marks the first American museum presentation of Welling's Cento series, highlighting his innovative fusion of photography, painting, and printmaking. By exploring polychromy and reanimating ancient subjects, Welling challenges viewers to reconsider historical art through a contemporary lens. The show also underscores Fairfield University Art Museum's commitment to presenting cutting-edge photography and engaging the public with free programming, including artist talks and symposia.