Through the Lens: The Art of Thomas Carabasi

September 5-October 18, 2025
Richard and Barbara Basch Gallery

ABOUT:
The Galleries of Ringling College is proud to present a retrospective exhibition celebrating the remarkable career of Thomas Carabasi, who retired from Ringling College of Art and Design in 2024 after more than three decades of dedicated service. Known for his deep commitment to both craft and education, Carabasi has made a lasting impact on generations of artists. This exhibition offers a comprehensive look at his artistic journey, showcasing works that span his early explorations in photography through to his more recent interdisciplinary projects. Carabasi’s work—rooted in a nuanced understanding of light, form, and the human condition—reflects a life devoted to visual inquiry and creative dialogue.

Born in Philadelphia in 1954, Carabasi shares over forty years of experience as an artist, musician, and educator. After earning a BA in Art History from Princeton University and studying under influential figures such as Emmet Gowin and Peter Bunnell, he apprenticed with master photographers Paul Caponigro and Frederick Sommer. His career includes teaching at institutions such as Moore College of Art, Princeton University, and the International Center of Photography, before joining Ringling College in 1991, where he served as department head of the Photography and Imaging for nearly three decades. Carabasi's work has been widely exhibited across the U.S. and internationally, and is held in prestigious collections including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Center for Creative Photography, and The Ringling Museum of Art. This exhibition honors his profound contributions to the field and his legacy as an artist and educator.