“We’ve all seen writers on the dust jackets of their books. These portraits, it seemed to me, generally failed to convey either character or personality. Writers deserve better. I wanted to make compelling pictures that would stick in the mind’s eye.” – Laura Wilson
Glimpse into the mind of a writer
A new exhibition now on view at Fondren Library offers a rare and powerful glimpse into the private worlds of some of the most influential writers of our time. Spanning the first and third floors, the exhibit showcases the work of acclaimed American photographer Laura Wilson, whose intimate and compelling portraits provide a visual narrative of the spaces, objects, and environments that shape a writer’s imagination.
Laura Wilson has spent years capturing images of some of the most celebrated literary figures of our era, as shown in her work The Writers: Portraits by Laura Wilson. This exhibit brings together a striking collection of her portraits, each one offering a glimpse into the lives and creative environments of distinguished, award-winning authors. By photographing writers in their own spaces, Wilson uncovers the personal details and surroundings that help shape their stories.
The exhibit’s journey to Fondren Library began with a simple need: art on the walls. Staff at the library reached out to the Meadows Museum to explore the University Art Collection. That conversation led to a broader idea from Anne Lenhart, director of collections and exhibitions at the Meadows Museum, who suggested a deeper collaboration, and Laura Wilson’s photographs were the perfect fit.
“Bringing Laura’s portraits to Fondren feels like a full-circle moment,” says Amy Carver, director of community engagement and the Friends of SMU Libraries. “We were thrilled to honor her with a Literati Award at our Tables of Content dinner in 2021. Now, it’s especially meaningful to welcome her work back to campus in such a visible way.”
Literary and visual storytelling
Wilson’s unique process distinguishes this body of work from traditional author portraits. She writes, “With each person I did a simple portrait, then added reportage of where they live or work or gather with friends. Their private territories are full of the objects and details that inspire and comfort them… providing insight into their singular personalities and concerns.”
This thoughtful approach results in more than just photographs – it’s an invitation into the writer’s creative world. Whether it’s a weathered writing desk, a stack of well-used notebooks, or a sunlit room with shelves full of books, Wilson captures the environments that shape and reflect the literary voices we admire.
On view from October 2025 through October 2026, the exhibit is generously supported by SMU Libraries and serves as a celebration of literary and visual storytelling.
In addition to the exhibition on view at Fondren Library, the Meadows Museum has opened Roaming Mexico: Laura Wilson, on view through January 11, 2026. Featuring nearly 90 mostly unpublished photographs, the exhibition offers a rare and intimate look at Mexico through four decades of Wilson’s travels, from the U.S. borderlands to Oaxaca and San Miguel de Allende. With both exhibitions open simultaneously on the Hilltop, visitors have a unique opportunity to experience the full range of Wilson’s artistic vision across different settings. This thoughtful pairing highlights her versatility and depth as a storyteller, seamlessly blending her powerful work in both photography and literature.
As a complement to the Wilson’s Meadows Museum exhibit, the Highland Park Library hosted a talk co-sponsored by the Friends of SMU Libraries on November 4, offering an additional opportunity to explore her remarkable career and enduring impact on American photography.
Learn more about the exhibition and resources related to Wilson’s work.