Washington, DC (June 8, 2011) - Architectural photographer Kenneth M. Wyner will debut two exhibitions in Fall 2011.  The first, a photographic exhibition titled The Structure of Spirit, Design of the Heart runs September 1-October 31, 2011, at the American Institute of Architects national headquarters in Washington, DC.  An opening reception will be held Saturday, October 1, 5:00-10:00PM.  The Structure of Spirit, Design of the Heart, created by the artist to celebrate Washington, DC's architecture and design community, features more than 40 kaleidoscopic images of domestic & commercial interiors, homes, gardens and architectural features. The resulting images suggest the surreal settings of Maurice Escher prints coupled with Alice in Wonderland-style fantasy and the exaggerated geometry characteristic of Op Art (additional information: http://www.kenwyner.com/#).

 A second exhibition, Washington Tapestries, will be held November 5-12, 2011, at the Washington Design Center, with a reception Saturday, November 5, 7:00-10:00PM. On view will be a series of unique "tapestry" like images of the iconic Washington buildings. The Washington landscape will be transformed through the use of intricate and complex filters and various splicing techniques into soft patterns and tones, and printed on fabrics and canvas.

 "This work represents a fantastical view of the architecture of the future, awakened from the architecture of the present," said Mr. Wyner.  He added, "The Structure of Spirit is dedicated to the spirit that drives one human being to care so deeply about the structure in which another will live, worship, play and work.  As an artist and as a rebel, this show is about breaking down walls, blurring the lines of reality and fantasy, and pondering the complexities of design both as real form and surreal dream.  Most importantly, this is about escaping our daily tensions and enjoying art."

 "As a former shelter magazine editor, I have long admired Ken's phenomenal architectural photography, so it is thrilling for us at the Washington Design Center to be hosting a show of his art photography that celebrates DC's most famous landmarks. Washington Tapestries will allow us to literally see our city in a new way, thanks to Ken's skills with art and photography," said Jennifer Sergent, Director of Marketing, Washington Design Center.

 Numerous events, which Wyner characterizes as "story telling that combines Monty Python, reality TV and panel discussions," are planned in conjunction with the exhibition featuring architects, interiors designers and restaurateurs including Travis Price, former AIA president Marshall Purnell, Barbara Hawthorn and Restaurant Eve's Tod Thrasher, Cathal and Meshelle Armstrong. Wyner promises "lots of guests and surprises." A complete list of events will be released at a later date.

About Kenneth M. Wyner

Washington, DC-native Kenneth M. Wyner has been part of the city's artistic community since 1969, when he first exhibited work at the Biograph Theater in Georgetown.   For more than 40 years he has balanced dual careers as commercial photographer, photographing the architecture and interiors created by leading architects and designers, and artist championed by pioneering figures including Walter Hopps.  Former Washington Post architecture critic Benjamin Forgey wrote of an earlier exhibition: "With their strong compositions, richly amplified colors and super-imposed patterns Wyner's [works] ... are almost over the top.  Yet formal control and emotional honesty keep these works fresh and convincing." ("Kenneth Wyner's Mall: Through a Lens, Dreamily," The Washington Post, July 1, 2000).   His work has been extensively published in books, magazines and newspapers including The Washington Post, The New York Times, Architecture, Home & Design and elsewhere.

 About the American Institute of Architects

For over 150 years, members of the American Institute of Architects have worked with each other and their communities to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings and cityscapes. Members adhere to a code of ethics and professional conduct to ensure the highest standards in professional practice. Embracing their responsibility to serve society, AIA members engage civic and government leaders and the public in helping find needed solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation and world. Visit www.aia.org.

 About the Washington Design Center

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