The Master Gallery
May 4 – July 30, 2023
Threshold
Photos by Mary Beth Kelly
Used metaphorically, or perhaps abstractly, a “threshold” implies that moment in time when something —usually quite dramatic and inevitable — is about to happen. It is a portal to the unknown MB Nthe possible.
The images here of actual thresholds may seem absent of such drama, but through the imagination, hint at the possibilities of their past. As I wander, I am drawn, yes, by the beauty — the exquisitely designed, carved, and polished, and to the haphazardly constructed, weathered, and forgotten relics of bygone days.
As a storyteller, I am drawn by the stories these could tell. Who stood on these thresholds? Who stomped or wiped their feet in daily comings and goings? Who simply visited? Who spent the night here huddled for warmth? Who said goodbye, here, to a beloved for the last time? And who, after knocking — family or stranger — was turned away?
I do not search for the threshold as I wander; they find me, and they beckon.
“Take me with you,” they seem to say, and so I do.
I dedicate this show to all refugees whose suffering insisted they risk everything to stand, desperate with hope, at the thresholds of others.
–Mary Beth Kelly
1. Masters’ Door Handle, NYC – #8687 – 8.5”x11”
2. Chef, Jaffa, IS – #1392 – 8.5×11”
3. Amazed Woman, Porto, PT- #9395 – 8.5”x11”
4. Man with Glasses, Jaffa, IS – #1440 – 8.5”x11”jpg
5. Graffiti Blue and Yellow, Ydra, GR – #1847 – 8.5”x11”
6. Graffiti Green, Jaffa, Israel – #1434 – 20” x 26.67”
7. Woman w Distant Gaze, Lisbon – #1427 – 5’’x7’’
8. Wind, Lisbon – #8460 – 5’’x7’’
9. Funny Face, Lisbon – #1430 – 5’’x7’’
10. Angry God, Lisbon, PT – #1429 – 5’’ X 7
11. Lock Jaw, Jaffa, IS – #1254 – 8.5”x11”
12. Classic Face Knocker, Athens, GR – #8784 – 8.5”x11”
13. Chained Up, Jaffa, IS – #1811 – 8.5”x11”
14. Red Door in Chains, Ydra, GR – #1866 – 8.5’’x11’’
15. Green Door Dangling Key, Ydra, Gr – #1893 – 8.5’’x11
16. Blue Door in White Stone – Ydra, GR 8.5’’x11
17. Red Door with Cross Bar, Ydra, GR – #7725 – 8.5’’x11
18. Upper Grand Entrance, Lisbon, PT, – #0176 – 8.5’’x11’’
19. Lower Grand Entrance, Lisbon, PT – #0177 – 8.5”x11”
20. Negative Space, Ydra, GR – #8149 – 20” x 26.67”
21. Riverside Church, NYC – #8687 – 8.5”x11”
22. Diamond Knocker, Jaffa, IS – #1244 – 8.5”x11”
23. Gold on Red Door, Tel Aviv, IS – #1510 – 8.5’’x11’’
24. Curvaceous Pewter, Jaffa, IS – #1447 – 8.5’’x11’’
25. Brass Pull on Green Door, Athens, GR – #1873 – 8.5’’x11’’
26. Long Gold Hinge, Jaffa, IS – #9352 – 8.5’’x11’’
27. Pale Green Crest, TelAviv, IS – #1833 – 5’’x 7’’
28. Lovers, Lisbon, PT – #1591 – 5’’x 7’’
29. Woven Knob, Lisbon, PT – #0156 – 5’’x 7’’
30. Flower Burst, Athens, GR – #1525 – 5’’x 7’’
31. The Bluest Door, Athens, Greece – #6241 – 20” x 26.67”
32. Curved Bars, Jaffa, IS – #1242 – 8.5’’x11’’
33. Picasso-esque, Jaffa, IS – #1391 – 8.5’’x11’’
34. Tiled Floor Metal Gate, Jaffa, IS – #1293 – 8.5’’x11’’
35. Monastery Door, Amorgos, GR – #7977 – 8.5’’x11’’
36. Tall Teal Door – Lisbon, PT 8.5’’x11’’
37. Met Museum, NYC – #8294 – 8.5’’x11’’
