From Shane McAdams, Curator in Residence at Saint Kate:
Some of the most meaningful artistic discoveries happen by chance—through the recommendations of fellow artists, the contents of a forgotten studio, or the unexpected treasures of an estate sale. It was through such a moment that Milwaukee artist Kyle Seis encountered the remarkable photographs of the late David Lee Reber.
Reber's images of the moon and eclipses possess a striking sense of patience, precision, and quiet conviction. They reveal an artist deeply committed to pursuing a singular vision, asking us to pause and look more closely at the celestial rhythms unfolding above us. Knowing that these photographs emerged into public view only after Reber's passing lends them an added poignancy. Their recurring subject—the eclipse, where light is briefly concealed before returning—echoes the way an artist's presence may fade while their work continues to illuminate others.
Though little is known about David Lee Reber, his photographs remind us that remarkable artists are not always recognized in their own lifetimes. Sometimes their work waits patiently to be discovered, finding new audiences through the curiosity and generosity of others. In sharing these celestial studies, we celebrate not only Reber's vision but also the enduring possibility that great art can continue to inspire long after its maker is gone.
