Summer 2008, Current Shows at ICP

[megan]

I went to ICP on Sunday to see the current shows. The biggest, Heavy Light, is a group show of Japanese photographers. I was a little leary of looking at this show, worried that it would be full of Mariko Mori-type work. That in itself is not a bad thing, but I honestly just don't get the use of all these manga/cartoony critters in the work. Okay, I get it, sorta, but... I don't like it. I was pleasantly surprised that the work, while not all of it was completely traditional, was more approachable from a decidedly curmudgeony Western aesthetic. I most enjoyed the black and white portraits of people in Shibuya (or Ginza? Can't remember) by Hiroh Kikai. Very surprising and human images.

The second show is Arbus/Avedon/Model - selections of famous images from the three. Nice to see some Arbus without the crowds of her Met show, Avedon is always a pleasure to look at, and Lisette Models work is like seeing an old, weird friend.

The smallest show is actually the show I went to see - Bill Wood's Business. This man ran a photo studio and store. If you needed the picture taken, he did it. The shots ran the gamut from grocery store openings, product shots, a car that crashed into someone's living room, portraits, everything. The utilitarian side of photography, still wonderful to see in a museum.

Anyone else see any good photo shows lately?

[Asylum Steve]

The smallest show is actually the show I went to see - Bill Wood's Business...the utilitarian side of photography, still wonderful to see in a museum.

Yeah, I like this type of work as well, especially removed from its natural "habitat"...

There are three things I firmly believe about art (as well as music), and they all go against the popular an image should stand completely on its own concept of photography.

One, I think knowing the background of the artist, or the photo, or the concept of a show or project can make a huge difference on how you perceive the work.

I also think the environment that you view work in has a profound effect on the experience, from the most formal high-brow museum openings to street art in its original setting.

And I think the images that an indivdual photo is grouped with, the placement of other work on either side, above, below or even nearby (or together in a book!) can make a big difference. It would seem Bill Wood's show is a perfect example of maybe all three.

BTW, the only photo show I've seen lately was at a local art stroll, and it was comprised mostly of work by amateurs from a photography club I'm sort of a consultant to. It was surprisingly good, and very refreshing, as these folks had little or no ego.

Many of them were showing for the first time, and they were so thrilled to be part of this new world...

[photonature]

That sounds pretty cool, I'd never been to any big art show, but I promised myself of that one day.

[megan]

I know it's a bit of a drive for you, but there's always this in Florida:
http://www.salvadordalimuseum.org/home.html
I've never been, and have always wanted to go!

[drg]

I know it's a bit of a drive for you, but there's always this in Florida:
http://www.salvadordalimuseum.org/home.html
I've never been, and have always wanted to go!

You've NOT been to the Dali museum!!!??? Oh, my. When I lived in Tampa it was a regular stop. They continue to add curators (some are volunteer and 'enthusiasts') and programming. You have seen the web site so I'm sure you've noted some that info. I'd like to have gotten there this year for the film series. I understand though it will be an ongoing part of the collection and programming in the future.

One recent photography display I've seen is from Marie-Susanne Langille an Adjunct Professor at Illinois Wesleyan University. The alumni publication for Summer 2008 has several of her portraiture works. I don't know her, but think I may try and remedy this as we have mutual acquaintances. She has a web site at http://www.mariesusanne.com/ . Interesting bio . . .

The usual summer art shows. I am going to Webster in ST. lOUIS this August for a graduate show and exhibit. Will report if needed.

[megan]

No, I've only been to Florida a few times. I know - shame on me for not going to the Dali Museum. However, there's a big Dali exhibit currently at the Modern in NYC - and it's fantastic. It combines paintings, sketches, and film... including the dream sequence from "Spellbound" with dreamy Gregory Peck, and the animated short he started for Disney.