Kinetic Ambiguity: Photographer’s Desert Visions on Display at La Verne

Inspired by his Army service, the photographer transforms highways and Joshua trees into dreamlike abstractions in Kinetic Ambiguity at the Irene Carlson Gallery of Photography

The Irene Carlson Gallery of Photography is currently featuring Kinetic Ambiguity, a solo exhibition by High Desert photographer Edward Lance Montgomery. The work stems from Montgomery’s experiences during his service in the U.S. Army during the Second Gulf War in 2003. “I couldn’t stop in the middle of the desert to take a picture,” he recalled. “So I would just take pictures as I was driving, one-handed… and midway through that tour, I just stared at them and thought, ‘Let me reevaluate this.’ This might be something.”

That initial thought evolved into the fluid, abstract style Montgomery now defines as Kinetic Ambiguity. Utilizing intentional camera movement and long exposures, he reimagines familiar desert landscapes – Joshua trees, power lines, and the highways stretching between the Antelope and Victor Valleys – into sweeping, dreamlike compositions. “I want people to have the same takeaway I do,” he explained. “It makes them feel good… almost something in science fiction, this otherworldly feeling when you look at these images.”

Montgomery, a resident of Victorville and a graduate of California State University, San Bernardino, views the exhibit as a significant personal achievement. “It’s a big deal… the fact that it’s a solo show makes it that much more special,” he said.

Kinetic Ambiguity challenges viewers to reconsider their perceptions of landscape photography. According to Montgomery, the project isn’t focused on technical perfection but rather on emotional impact. “I’m not shooting for magazine covers or commercial work… I just want to create something that motivates me to do more, that feels beautiful, that makes people feel good.”

Montgomery’s work has been recognized previously, including an honorable mention in the 2025 Color Photography Contest for his “Vistas” segment of the Land Series, part of the Kinetic Ambiguity Project. He has participated in art exhibitions, written art reviews, curated art shows, and has work in the Target Corporation collection, according to information from L.A. Photo Curator and refocus-awards.com. He graduated with honors from Cal State San Bernardino in 2014 with a BA in studio art and a minor in business administration, following a 20-year career in the Army that took him around the world.

The exhibit is located in Miller Hall at the Irene Carlson Gallery of Photography and will be open to the public until April 17, 2026.