NatGeo at Liberty Hall, Friendship, Nature and Conservation

By Lenny K. Mata Cuevas | Published October 3, 2022

The Exhibition Hall at Liberty Hall Museum welcomed students, faculty/staff, and the general public to the National Geographic exhibit “Rarely Seen Photographs of the Extraordinary” collection. A total of 50 astounding, timely images graced the hall’s walls, since the reception and opening day on Sept.15, as part of Galleries at Kean’s promotional theme for academic year 2022-2023.

There are a variety of reasons for students to visit the gallery and learn about the extraordinary images and the stories behind them. But for freshmen Imani, Shahad, and Shawn Lennon it can be for personal, entertainment, or educational purposes. Reasons that perfectly aligned with the characteristics of this show.

Psychology major Imani explained her interest in the show is mainly based on her love for museums and her curiosity about Kean’s artistic programs. 

“I’ve always enjoyed going to museums growing up with my mom and my grandma,” she said.“I wanted to see the different kinds of art pieces that Kean has to offer while I’m here and take advantage while I can, of all of the different museums.”

On the other hand, Shahad, a business major, who initially visited just for entertainment and because his friend Imani convinced him, said he ended up having an amazing time. 

“She said it’s really cool in here so I [gave] it a chance,” Shahad continued. “I really am inspired by everything in here. It’s really nice, it’s an experience I will cherish.” 

The images clearly highlight the relationship between humans and nature. How we affect it but also how it magnificently grows and stands around us. 

According to an open letter from President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., the “exquisite” photographs are called to take personal responsibility to protect and preserve our environment. “‘Rarely Seen’ underscores the relationship between art and sustainability” reads the reception’s pamphlets.

But one could say they also show the arts within the art. Many of the images selected showed a variety of dramatic and at times extreme images shot in nature, sea, and urban areas around the globe. Like pictures of sculptures by Jaison deCaires Taylor at Cancún Underwater Museum or famous personalities like Pope Francis or former President Barack Obama. Even the event’s promotional image “Supercell Storm Cloud” by Marko Korosec gives a frantic view of the force of nature.

But for Psychology major Lennon, the most shocking was “Dangle if you dare” by Ivan Kuznetsov where the photographer’s feet dangled 80 floors up. 

“All these pictures and stuff that I like I’ve always found fascinating,” Lennon said. “Especially the one where the guy is hanging over, I think is Hong Kong. I find that really beautiful with the lights and all that infrastructure.”

Like his friends, Lennon was certainly inspired and happy for the experience, but he confessed that his main inspiration to visit was his passion for photography. 

“I really like taking pictures,” he said. “I’d really like, [want] to have one of my own pictures in here one day.”

The places where these moments were captured were at different points around the world, from Nebraska to Costa Rica. While the authors of these images are all united and recognized not only as photographers or artists but as National Geographic Explores “who use the power of science, exploration, education, and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world,” reads the Galleries at Kean website.

The Galleries partnered with the National Geographic Society to bring the exhibition show inspired by the book of the same name to Kean. The exhibit will continue until November 23, 2022, every week from Tuesday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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