JW Toftness's 'To Redecorate a Dream' Explores Technology and Ecology at Candela Photographic Arts
At Candela Photographic Arts in Richmond, VA, JW Toftness's exhibition, To Redecorate a Dream, is open until October 24, 2026. This showcase includes 15 archival inkjet prints, a sculpture, installation works, and time-based media, featuring two large-scale transparency film pieces. As an MFA student at SCAD, Toftness investigates the influence of technology on life, incorporating materials like papier-mâché and weeds with digital techniques. In a Zoom discussion with Yogan Muller in September 2026, he examined the physical effects and environmental implications of technology. His work draws inspiration from Jean Baudrillard and Hito Steyerl. This exhibition follows his solo presentation, Coda, in December 2025, and his MFA thesis show, Eidolon, in April 2026, with another solo exhibition planned for Fall 2026 at Candela.
Key facts
- JW Toftness's series To Redecorate a Dream is on view at Candela Photographic Arts in Richmond, VA, until October 24, 2026.
- The series comprises 15 core images, a standalone sculpture, installation pieces, and time-based media, including two large-scale works printed on transparency film.
- Toftness is an MFA student at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and is based in Savannah, GA.
- The exhibition follows his solo show Coda at Cleo the Project Space in December 2025 and his MFA thesis exhibition Eidolon at SCAD's Alexander Hall in April 2026.
- Toftness will have a solo show at Candela Photo Arts in Fall 2026 and has been selected to attend Review Santa Fe in October 2026.
- The series incorporates papier-mâché sculptures, dirt and weeds from the artist's yard, and advanced digital camera equipment and post-production technologies.
- Toftness cites influences including Jean Baudrillard, Hito Steyerl, Timothy Morton's hyperobjects, and the myth of Persephone and Hades.
- A conversation between Toftness and photographer Yogan Muller was recorded on Zoom in September 2026 and published by Lenscratch.
Entities
Artists
- JW Toftness
- James W Toftness
- Yogan Muller
- Jean Baudrillard
- Hito Steyerl
- Timothy Morton
- Persephone
- Hades
Institutions
- Candela Photographic Arts
- Candela Books + Gallery
- Savannah College of Art and Design
- SCAD
- Cleo the Project Space
- Lenscratch
- New South
- Atlanta Center for Photography
- Review Santa Fe
- Office Space Gallery
- NOVA24 Photo + Film Festival
- XoXo Gallery
- Ingram Library Gallery
- University of West Georgia
- Artstryngs
- Atlanta Photography Group
- Rhode Island Center for Photographic Arts
- Oregon Contemporary
- ATHICA
- Through the Lens Collective
- Blue Sky Gallery
- Penumbra Foundation
- LUMA Foundation
- Rencontres d'Arles
- Photobook Museum
- Athens Photo Festival
- UCLA Design Media Arts
- Counterforce Lab
- ENSAV La Cambre
- Université libre de Bruxelles
- Bibliothèque nationale de France
- J. Paul Getty Museum
Locations
- Richmond
- Virginia
- United States
- Savannah
- Georgia
- Atlanta
- Detroit
- Michigan
- Baltimore
- Maryland
- Carrollton
- Providence
- Rhode Island
- Portland
- Oregon
- Athens
- South Africa
- Cologne
- Germany
- Greece
- Los Angeles
- California
- Belgium
- Paris
- France