Michael Weinstein

In his celebration of the skilled American blue-collar worker, Nathan Baker hit upon the genial conceit of photographing tradesmen at their jobs and combining his images in the computer into single scenes that show the dizzying range of tasks performed in each line of work. In each seamless and realistic color image, a single individual--machinist, house painter, baker, auto mechanic, bicycle repairman and woodworker--goes through his multifarious paces simultaneously, evincing intent concentration and confidence in each case. Although his approach is postmodern--the collaged scenario--Baker eschews deconstruction and criticism, returning to the modern humanist's theme of the dignity of labor. By presenting concentrated documentaries that can be taken in with one glance, Baker lets us appreciate the variety of skills that make up jobs that many of us take for granted and could not hope to do fresh off the street.

Nathan Baker shows at Schneider Gallery, 230 West Superior, (312)988-4033, through April 23.

(2005-03-22)

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