Photographers are always looking for a new angle to capture authentic moments and monumental history. Stephen Shames did just that, 40 years ago, by landing an insiders perspective of the Black Panther Party. His high-contrast prints werent published until his new book, The Black Panthers (Aperture, $28), complete with a foreword by party founder Bobby Seale. While many of Shames subjects are known through others lenses, his exhibit (through May 31) offers a unique, intimate window into the lives of Panthers like Seale and Huey Newton. Images of Seale watching over his young son, or of Newton embracing fellow cat Elaine Brown, show the Panthers to be much more than militants with guns, as they were so often portrayed. Rough in their technical aspects (especially compared to Shames more recent work), the photos are a priceless document from a bygone era. Odegaard Library (University of Washington campus), 543-2990, www.lib.washington.edu. Free. 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. JOSHUA LYNCH
Mon., May 5, 6 a.m.-10 p.m., 2008
