Contemplation: A Portrait of manitoga

By Carlton Davis

June 13 – nov 15, 2026

This season, Manitoga / The Russel Wright Design Center presents Contemplation: A Portrait of Manitoga, by Hudson Valley-based photographer Carlton Davis within Dragon Rock House and Studio. Davis spent many seasons contemplating the buildings, interiors and woodland gardens of Manitoga – at sunrise and sunset, in full moon, rain and snow, as spring blossomed and autumn quietly fell. His photos capture both Manitoga's majesty and its intimacy from panoramic views of Mary's Meadow and the Quarry landscape to the intricate details and patterns of ferns, leaves, moss and stone. Davis experiments with scale and format in unique dialogue with the interior spaces to our surprise and delight.

A WORD FROM CARLTON DAVIS

“This body of work is the result of an ongoing “conversation” between Russel Wright, Dragon Rock, Manitoga, and myself…Upon my initial visit to Dragon Rock, I, like many others, was deeply impressed and genuinely moved by the beauty of the space and the creative vision of Russel Wright. At the same time, I felt an unexpected sense of allure, as though the interplay between human intention and the natural environment created a quiet invitation to explore more deeply. That sense of “invitation” became the starting point for a journey of inquiry that unfolded over a year and a half, ultimately culminating in this project…

Inspired by Wright’s integration of design, nature, and unconventional materials, I set out to explore the unique character of Manitoga. Over the course of a year and a half, I returned repeatedly, producing photographs across all four seasons, from the pale light of dawn to the stillness of a full moon. Although several visits yielded no images, these quiet, contemplative intervals proved essential, allowing time for observation without predetermined intent. Whether examining intimate textures or expansive landscapes, the work invites viewers to engage more deliberately, fostering an experience in which calm and discovery converge, and offering an opportunity to reflect upon the beauty and mystery that permeate the natural world.”

— Carlton Davis

On view June 13 through Nov 15, 2026 with Tour Participation and during special programs and events.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Carlton Davis (b. Philadelphia) is a New York-based photographer known for his ability to uncover extraordinary beauty in the ordinary. His work, spanning both commercial and personal creative practices, highlights the essential and often overlooked elements of his subjects, inviting viewers to slow down and see the world anew. In his art practice, Davis focuses on the richness of the quotidian world. The depth and complexity of humble subjects are revealed through Davis’ rigorous attention to composition and light. Davis employs the same approach in portraiture. Intentionally simple backdrops and minimal to no color allow Davis to pare down distractions and create images that offer viewers space for thoughtful focus, visual exploration, and contemplation. Davis’ photography transforms the familiar into something timeless, encouraging a quiet, deliberate appreciation for objects and moments that sustain us.

In April of 2023, Davis was commissioned by "Upstate Diary " to photograph the fabrication and installation of Martin Puryear's sculpture "Lookout" at Storm King Art Center over a period of four months. The commission evolved into a passion project that includes a portfolio of images created over a period of eight months with some of the images printed in the official catalogue for "Lookout”. According to Davis, it was this project that reignited his desire to use photography as a tool of exploration and inquiry.

The 2026 Art + Design Residency is made possible through support from the Sara Little Turnbull Foundation, New York State Council on the Arts, Manitoga’s Board of Directors, Leadership Council, Design Circle and the 2026 Art & Design Host Committee.