Mitchell-Innes & Nash is pleased to present a new exhibition of 10 large-scale black-and-white photographs by Mariana Cook. Part of an ongoing series of photographs taken from Cook’s immediate surroundings both here and abroad, the images selected for the exhibition reveal her mastery of light and abstraction. Cook’s unique view of commonplace subjects such as a tiled floor, reflections in water, rooftop fencing and window coverings, convey a carefully observed moment when the subject loses definition, allowing the viewer greater freedom of interpretation. A student of Ansel Adams from 1978 until his death in 1984, Cook credits his influence with leading her to focus on abstracted compositions in black-and-white. Speaking about the pictures included in this exhibition, Cook said: “Ansel Adams gave me my language, my craft. He taught me how to express my feelings in an image.” Cook's previous series have focused on portraiture and the relationships between family members. "Generations of Women," "Mothers and Sons," "Fathers and Daughters" and "Couples," have all been published by Chronicle Books. Works from those series have been exhibited in New York in recent years. In the Abstract is Cook’s third exhibition at Mitchell Innes & Nash. The exhibition will be on view from July 13 through August 20th, with a reception for the artist on Tuesday, July 13th from 6 to 8 pm. Gallery hours are 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Please direct media inquiries to Stacy Bolton Communications: Tel: (212) 721-5350 Fax: (212) 721-0780 Email: Mamie@StacyBolton.com.