"Honorable, Worthy of Respect" Show at Melkart Gallery, Nice France

Melkart Gallery, in Nice France, recently hosted a body of work by Michael W. Rutherford.  “Honorable, Worthy of Respect” was the name given to the forty (40) plus images exhibited in the show that focused on Native Americans.

Native Americans do not ordinarily invite outsiders onto their reservations.  In fact, Michael had been chased off several reservations over the years.  However, Michael had become friends with a young Flathead Indian named Tim Ryan.  Tim is a successful country western singer and songwriter.  Michael first met him when he photographed him for an album cover.  The two of them struck up a friendship and Michael grew to know Tim’s family as well.

Ultimately, the elders of the Flathead Nation came to recognize the strong friendship between Michael and the Ryans.  They invited Michael to come to their nation and photograph their people.

Over the years, Michael was invited to photograph at other reservations, for other tribes.  He was even invited to a few closed events.  On occasion, he would be asked to put his camera away and only observe.  Michael cherishes the friendship he has created with various members of the Native American nations.

It has always been Michael’s intent to represent the Native American Indian culture with distinction and honor.  He wanted to ensure that his photographs and paintings captured the majesty and strength of the people.  This is also why he named his show “Honorable, Worthy of Respect.”

The show lasted for a month and allowed several hundred people the opportunity to see photographs of these amazing representatives of the First Nations firsthand. 

We have had other galleries from Europe reach out to Michael about taking his show to them.  At this time, we are also in communication with a few galleries here in the United States to share his work.