Christopher Felver (b.1946)
Just Peace, undated
Materials: Digital photo collage, archival print on aluminum, 36” diameter
Location: Summa Health – Dr. Gary B. and Pamela S. Williams Tower, Akron Campus, Blue Neighborhood, Fourth Floor Hallway (outside patient rooms H4-113 and H4-114)
About the Art
Christopher Felver’s Just Peace is a striking black-and-white photo collage that juxtaposes everyday textures and structures within a bold circular composition. The rectilinear grid within the aluminum print creates a sense of order, while the luminous surface brings depth and immediacy to the work. The lack of a traditional frame removes any barrier between the image and the viewer, encouraging direct engagement with Felver’s chosen fragments of the world: rusted hardware, architectural elements, patterns in nature, and unexpected details that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Felver’s visual language is built upon ellipses, radial patterns, converging lines, and the interplay of horizontal and vertical structures. His process of carefully composing each shot, setting light exposures, and selecting forms before ever pressing the shutter reflects his deep commitment to seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary. The final collage is a meticulously arranged collection of these moments, balancing contrast and continuity to guide the viewer’s eye across the piece.
At the center of Just Peace is its powerful textual element: the words “JUST” and “PEACE.” Their placement demands interpretation. Does “JUST” serve as an adjective, calling for a peace rooted in justice? Or does it function as an adverb, as in “just peace” or “only peace,” a simple and urgent plea? Felver leaves this open-ended, inviting reflection and personal meaning-making.
This sense of contemplation and harmony is why Just Peace was selected for display in the fourth-floor hallway of the Williams Tower, a space dedicated to new mothers and their babies. Its structured design, inspired by Felver’s Ordered World series, suggests stability and reassurance, qualities that hold deep meaning in the early days of a newborn’s life.
About the Artist
Born and raised in Akron, Christopher Felver is a self-described cultural documentarian whose photography, filmmaking, and videography have captured the essence of American creative movements. He studied history at the University of Miami before furthering his education in filmmaking and cinematography in London and California. His career has taken him around the world, from serving as a visiting artist at the American Academy in Rome to screening his award-winning documentaries at international film festivals.
Felver’s work spans books, films, and exhibitions, often focusing on influential cultural figures. His publications include BEAT: An Intimate Memoir, a photographic tribute to the Beat Generation featuring contributions from Amiri Baraka, David Amram, and Lawrence Ferlinghetti. His films, including Ferlinghetti: A Rebirth of Wonder and The Late Great Allen Ginsberg, have been celebrated for their intimate portrayals of artists, poets, and musicians.
Where to See More of Felver's Work
For a deeper exploration of Felver’s photography, Ordered World (2006) presents a collection of images closely related to Just Peace. His films and documentaries can be found on CD, including West Coast: Beat and Beyond, All the Notes: Cecil Taylor, and Tending the Fire: Native Voices and Portraits. His photographic books often pair his striking images with writings by the very poets and artists he captures, making his work a unique blend of visual and literary history. To learn more visit his website.
The Healing Arts at Summa Health
- Next featured artist: Ibojka Maria Friedman
- Homepage: summahealth.org/art
- More artwork in new patient tower