The Art of Rosa Lazaro: Seeing the World in Abstract
By Katie Neves, guest writer
If you haven’t had a chance to wander through Rosa Lazaro’s photography exhibit in the Randall L. Jones Theater lobby, now’s the perfect time to lose yourself in her work. Known for her background as the Utah Shakespeare Festival’s costume crafts supervisor, Lazaro brings a unique perspective to her photography—offering Festival patrons a new and dynamic view of the world.
This exhibit, found in the Randall lobby near the main level concessions stand, celebrates Lazaro’s ability to view the world from unexpected angles. “I gather my inspiration from the ability to view the world through the abstract,” she explained. Whether through her bold use of color or her deep attention to detail, her work invites viewers to pause and consider the everyday world in a new way. As a seasoned costume designer, her focus on texture and form is reflected in each photo, giving her work an unmistakably theatrical quality.
Originally from Delta, Utah, and now a professor of costume design at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Lazaro’s artistic journey began in scenic design, where she learned the importance of composition. She eventually transitioned into costume design, which gave her new understandings of color, texture and pattern. “All of these lessons learned in theatre aid me greatly as I work on my photography,” said Lazaro. Her award-winning photography has been seen on the cover of Bend magazine, as well as in various galleries, museums, and art centers in Texas. The Randall exhibit is her first in Utah: “I’m delighted I can show my work for the first time in my home state.”
One of the standout aspects of Lazaro’s work is her macro photography. “My macro photography is some of my most successful and loved work by both myself and the public,” she said. Her macro photos transform ordinary subjects into dazzling displays of vibrancy and texture, challenging the viewer to look deeper at the world. “Viewing the world differently is truly a thrill,” said Lazaro. “”I want nothing more than to share that with others.”
Among the many beautiful photos in the exhibit, one holds a special place in her heart: a piece she calls “Fred.” Named after Fred C. Adams, the founder of the Utah Shakespeare Festival, the piece captures a nostalgic moment of reflection.
One evening, she visited the Adams Memorial Theatre and thought back on her many years at the Festival. She remembered years past, sitting at the back of the theater after rehearsals; without realizing she was there, actors would come back onstage to run through their lines again. “I loved watching them hearing the echoes of their words,” she said. “It was work I would never see or hear onstage; they were faceless in the dark, they were taking risks they never would onstage. That was true theatre magic to me.”
As she reminisced, Lazaro remembers watching as a ray of sunshine hit the hanging Adams sign. “I felt as if it was Fred saying ‘hi,’ or maybe thanking me for visiting our home—the home Fred built for us all,” she said. This piece, steeped in nostalgia and personal significance, not only honors a beloved figure but also captures the essence of Lazaro’s deep connection to the Utah Shakespeare Festival.
Ultimately, Lazaro hopes her exhibit will leave a lasting impact on Festival patrons. “I want people to feel triggers—warmth, peace, happiness. Maybe a piece can remind them of a moment,” she says. Her abstract works, in particular, encourage viewers to question what they see and to explore new perspectives. “I love when people ask me what a piece is—it shows they’re seeing the world differently.”
Rosa Lazaro’s exhibit runs through October 5. Be sure to visit the Randall L. Jones Theater and catch her incredible work which can be purchased, as well as Much Ado About Nothing and The 39 Steps playing in the Randall, and Silent Sky and The Mountaintop in the Anes Studio Theatre, before the season closes! For tickets and more information, visit bard.org. For more information from Lazaro about her photography, email her at rmlazarodesigns@gmail.com.
