Museum News (November 25, 2024)

Published 11/25/2024

Artist, Thomas Zimmerman, and Hansen Museum Grounds and Maintenance Supervisor Dave Schneider hanging the exhibition Kansas from 400' or Less. Schneider's assistance was helpful in the installation process, ensuring that Zimmerman's stunning aerial p
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We are honored to be chosen as the debut venue for our next exhibition, Kansas from 400’ or Less. This exhibition features a collection of photographs by Thomas Zimmerman (formerly known as the Farmin Artist) that have never been seen by the public before. In preparation for this exhibition, Zimmerman has quietly worked over the past three years to accumulate these photographs while keeping his followers guessing about his activities.

Diving into a new arena, Thomas has taken his photography to new heights—literally—as the entire exhibition is shot using drones. Known for his stunning Kansas landscapes, Zimmerman recognized that employing a drone would provide perspectives unmatched by ground-based photography. This unique aerial viewpoint captivates viewers and allows him to showcase the beauty of the world from angles that inspire wonder. Additionally, fleeting moments of perfect light can often be missed; however, with his ability to fly his camera precisely at the right time and place, he captures those magical seconds that might otherwise slip away, resulting in breathtaking images that tell stories only visible from above.

Zimmerman's exhibition showcases not only his remarkable photographs but also the drone instrumental in capturing these images. At the time of purchase, the drone featured the most advanced camera available on the market. Despite having top-tier technology, Zimmerman found himself adapting his photographic techniques to work within the camera's limitations. In relatable terms, he compared his drone's camera capabilities to the best smartphone camera of three years ago.

One significant challenge was a psychological adjustment to printing smaller photographs, as the camera's size precluded the large-format prints from his previous exhibition, The Farmin Artist, which was displayed at the Hansen Museum in late 2019 and early 2020.

For the Kansas from 400' or Less project, Zimmerman undertook an impressive aerial journey, completing a total of 342 flights. During this time, he traveled 159 miles in the air and logged a total flight time of 57 hours. However, the project was not without its challenges; Zimmerman recorded 112 failed photographs in his quest. He experienced three crashes, including one dramatic incident where the drone was completely submerged in water, necessitating repairs from the manufacturer.

The exhibition Kansas from 400' or Less will be on view through January 26, 2025. Visitors are encouraged to experience this extraordinary showcase of Kansas's beauty from a unique aerial perspective. The museum is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM; Saturday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM; and Sunday from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. We are located at 110 W. Main Street, Logan, Kansas. For more information, please call 785-689-4846. We hope to see you at the museum!