8 Ball

March 6 - April 16, 2022​

 

8 BALL was a solo exhibition by photographer Nathan West that documented the culture and community of the bar pool scene through an intimate series of photographs. Capturing the rituals, personalities, and atmosphere surrounding the game, the exhibition celebrated pool halls as spaces of connection, competition, and everyday storytelling.

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Presented at The Boiler | ELM Foundation, the exhibition extended beyond the photographs themselves by transforming the gallery into a honky-tonk-inspired environment. Visitors were invited to immerse themselves in the world of the work by playing games of pool, attending special events throughout the exhibition, and experiencing the social spirit that inspired the series.

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Blurring the boundaries between documentary photography and installation, 8 BALL offered a portrait of a uniquely American subculture while highlighting the relationships, traditions, and sense of belonging found around the pool table.

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About the Artist

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Nathan West is an NYC based photographer by way of North Carolina, specializing in portraiture and journalistic music coverage.

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