Scott Mann is known the world over for his portrayal of Glenn Quentin in the seven-time Academy Award-nominated motion picture, “The Shawshank Redemption,” but regionally Mann has established himself on the other side of the camera as a photographer and digital artist.
Fans will have the rare opportunity to explore both facets of his career in Mansfield during Labor Day weekend. An exhibition titled “Redemption: The Photography of Scott Mann,” will open at Tog Loft in Mansfield on Aug. 31 with a reception from 1-3 p.m. The exhibition will remain on view throughout the month of September.
Mansfield, Ohio also entered the limelight as a result of the movie that IMDb users rank the No. 1 movie of all time. Filmed in Mansfield and the surrounding area, the town has become a touchstone of sorts for the loyal fanbase of the beloved movie. In celebration of the 20th anniversary of the film’s release, The Mansfield/Richland County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau has an entire weekend of festivities planned for Labor Day weekend, including the opening of Mann’s solo exhibition.
The exhibition features original photographs and other digital works by Mann. Focusing on the theme of redemption seemed a natural fit in curating the exhibition.
In 2013, Mann attended the events surrounding the 20th anniversary of the filming of “The Shawshank Redemption” and was moved by his interaction with the fans.
“This is more than just a movie. Through my images I’m interpreting the message of the film. Thinking of quotations from ‘The Shawshank Redemption,’ I started reflecting on my own images and began to interpret the quotes. Using religious and mythological statues, birds, and decaying walls, I was able to merge my concept through imagery and words. Angels with the thought of hope, birds with the freedom of flight, images etched in decaying walls seemingly held prisoner,” said Mann.
Mann’s early career began in front of the camera. While working internationally as a fashion model Mann landed an acting role that would forever link him to a legend. In 1993, Scott won the role of “Glenn Quentin” in the seven-time Academy Award-nominated motion picture,“The Shawshank Redemption.” In 1995, Scott was voted to Cleveland Magazine’s annual list of “Most Interesting People.”
In time though, Mann became interested in photography. He began by working as a photographer’s assistant to some of the professionals he met as a model, and it didn’t take long for him to realize how much he enjoyed the other side of the lens.
Mann’s work has been exhibited and collected throughout the Northeast Ohio region. In 2010 he was awarded his first major government commission. He created 21 original “digital paintings” for the Great Hall entrance to the new Cuyahoga County Juvenile Justice Center in Cleveland, Ohio.
In July, in response to the growth in his career, Mann opened Yu-Mann Gallery. There he will exhibit his own work, along with the works of other local artists.
Mann’s exhibition is presented by Tog Loft in Mansfield. Tog Loft is a developing space, or mixed-use space, in Mansfield. The loft hosts regular exhibitions, but also is a resource to photographers offering professional studio space on an as-needed basis. Tog Loft is located at 41 B E. Fourth St., Mansfield, OH 44902. They are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., for special events, and by appointment – Tel. 419-521-5088; web www.togloft.com
