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With rumors of protests and a sense of mysticism, well over a hundred visitors filled the lobby of the Southeast Museum of Photography to welcome photographer Jill Greenberg last month.

Despite her reputation for arousing ire, no protests or unruliness occurred and Greenberg presented some of her art, which is currently on view in the upstairs gallery until Jan. 18. Greenberg's exhibit features art from her collection of "Monkey

Portraits," a focus on emotion in Monkeys, "Ursine" comprised of grizzly bears in comical positions and "End Times" which shows the faces of emotionally distressed children.

The controversy now following Greenberg revolves around her photo shoot of Senator John McCain, where she portrayed him in a less than flattering fashion. That project, however, was not discussed during her Oct. 6 speech.

Greenberg gained the nickname, "The Manipulator" in the early '90s from her surreal art style using digital enhancements and lighting. That style, coined, "Monkey Lighting," has had many try to duplicate, but Greenberg will not reveal how she achieves the look.

Attending Greenberg's presentation, freshman Maryia Martineau said, "It was not all I thought it would be. I thought she would give more insight and just have more to say. Not to say her work isn't amazing, but her ways really are unique and keep her art interesting."

While some criticize the photographer's use of digital manipulation, the style seems to grow on people. It showcases the raw emotions displayed in infants that have had candy taken away from them, as well as the joy of a monkey has with a cake to himself.
The artwork has a unique quality that feels as though the models are made of plastic, but once the reality sinks in, the need to see more is felt.

"At first I didn't like it, but it grew on me," said first year photography student Jennifer Macklin.

The Southeast Museum of Photography is located at the main campus and is open Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Wednesdays from 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. and weekends 1-5 p.m. The museum is free admission and can be contacted at 386- 506-4475.

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