Tag Archives: Art

A Moment

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moment3 Arnold Newman, New York City, 1979, platinum print

Michael Somoroff: A Moment.

Master Photographers, Sol Mednick Gallery of Photography, UArts

Michael Somoroff: A Moment, Sol Mednick Gallery of Photography Michael Somoroff: A Moment, Sol Mednick Gallery of Photography, The University of the Arts

Written and photographed  by Laura Storck

As a photography student at The University of the Arts, I make every effort to take advantage of the wonderful rotating exhibits on display Sol Mednick Gallery of Photography on the 15th floor. I was especially motivated to see the current exhibit by ‘Michael Somoroff: A Moment. Master Photographers‘ which includes several gorgeous platinum prints of well-known luminaries such as Elliott Erwitt, Mary Ellen Mark, Frances McLaughlin-Gill, Ben Somoroff, Ben Stern, and Arnold Newman.

moment2Michael Somoroff: A Moment, Sol Mednick Gallery of Photography, The University of the Arts

According to The University of the Arts May 2015 news release of this exhibit:

Between 1977 and 1983, Michael Somoroff, then a young New York photographer, had the privilege of photographing photographers who played a dominant role in shaping the medium during the climax of analog image making, including Robert Doisneau, Elliott Erwitt, Ralph Gibson, Jacques Henri Lartigue, Duane Michals and Helmut Newton, among others. He was first introduced to many of these icons through his father, Ben Somoroff, who studied under Alexey Brodovitch at the School of Industrial Arts in Philadelphia, now The University of the Arts, and had become a well-known and respected still life photographer working in both Philadelphia and New York. These portraits were originally created as a kind of visual journal, a tribute to the modern masters of the medium by a young photographer. Intensely personal, the images were never intended for publication and were put aside for many years. Thirty-five years later, this body of work is finally being shown and published.

moment4Ben Somoroff, New York City, 1977, platinum print

Michael Somoroff studied art and photography at the New School for Social Research in New York, opening his own studio in the mid-seventies, eventually moving for a time to Europe. In Europe, he contributed to such publications as Life, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Stern, Time, and Der Spiegel. His work is represented in collections including the Museum of Modern Art, New York; Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.; and Museo Correr, Venice; it has been exhibited at the International Center of Photography, New York; Los Angeles County Museum of Art; San Francisco Museum of Modern Art; and Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago. In 2006, Somoroff created a large-scale outdoor installation, “Illumination I” for the Rothko Chapel in Houston, as the first artist invited to do so since Barnett Newman. Somoroff’s homage to legendary photographer August Sander, “Absence of Subject,” was presented during the 2011 Venice Biennale, the only private exhibit in the artistic history of the city to be placed on Piazza San Marco. Since 2011, “Absence of Subject” has traveled continuously throughout Europe and soon in South America. In 2012, “A Moment. Master Photographers: Portraits” by Michael Somoroff was awarded Best Photo Books of the Year prize chosen by American Photo.

moment9Michael Somoroff: A Moment, Sol Mednick Gallery of Photography, The University of the Arts

Upon viewing the beautiful platinum printed image of each master photographer, I felt inspiration, connection, and catharsis. The platinum print process is prized for its rich, long tonal range that includes lush blacks as well as delicate gray mid-tones and for its ability to show fine detail. Somoroff rendered his subject’s essence with the utmost expertise and transcendence. To pay personal homage to the images of these icons felt akin to a spiritual journey in a sacred space.

moment8Mary Ellen Mark, New York City, 2011, platinum print, Michael Somoroff: A Moment, Sol Mednick Gallery of Photography, The University of the Artsmoment5Ben Stern, New York City, 1979, platinum print Michael Somoroff: A Moment, Sol Mednick Gallery of Photography, The University of the Arts

I felt especially moved when seeing Mary Ellen Mark’s portrait, and particularly saddened by her recent passing. I remember first learning about her work when visiting the Philadelphia Museum of Art in September 2012 for her exhibition Prom: Photographs by Mary Ellen Mark. This exhibit occurred in conjunction with her husband’s work, cinematographer Martin Bell’s film Prom (2010), and I was very fortunate to witness a roundtable discussion among Mary Ellen Mark, Martin Bell, and the curator of photographs of the PMA, Peter Barberie. Mary Ellen Mark’s photography has been a major influence on my desire to capture documentary and street images, which has therefore inspired and helped me to feel more empathy, compassion, and responsiveness toward the human condition.

moment6Elliott Erwitt, Easthampton, NY, 1979, platinum print, Michael Somoroff: A Moment, Sol Mednick Gallery of Photography, The University of the Arts

This experience forces me to ponder where my photographic path may lead…Will my portrait ever adorn a gallery wall? All I can offer with certainty is that I appreciate every little struggle and triumph along life’s serpentine journey; I cherish and find value in the many relationships I have formed; and I strive to keep going with continued optimism. Peach and love to all.

moment7Frances McLaughlin-Gill, New York City, 1978, platinum print, Michael Somoroff: A Moment, Sol Mednick Gallery of Photography, The University of the Arts

Now in it’s 37th year, the Sol Mednick Gallery of Photography offers a year-round regular schedule of exhibitions of contemporary photography. The only endowed gallery in Philadelphia dedicated solely to the exhibition of photography, the Mednick Gallery earned the Photo Review Award for service to photography. Associate Professor and former director of the Photography program Harris Fogel, who founded Gallery 1401 in 1999, has been director/curator of both galleries since 1997. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 10:00am – 5:00pm., Saturday and Sunday by appointment. The exhibit is on display through July 31st.

The University of the Arts, The Sol Mednick Gallery of Photography, Terra Hall, 15th Floor 211 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102 (215) 717-6300

Event page – http://www.uarts.edu/about/sol-mednick-gallery

website – www.uarts.edu

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Written and photographed  by Laura Storck except where noted

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Monochrome

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monochrome8Monochrome Visions

By Laura Storck

The Monochrome Visions photography exhibition of silver emulsion prints is nothing short of a visual feast.  This show features handcrafted black and white prints made by the students of Fleisher Art Memorial‘s ‘Art of the Fine Print’ class taught by the venerable Rick Wright. As a former member of Rick’s darkroom, I’m always amazed at the quality and nuances of the beautiful images produced by the talented individuals in this class.  Fascinating and thought-provoking are the slices of life that are captured from each photographer’s perspective, and subsequently coaxed into physical manifestation through the combined magic of light, chemicals, and paper.

Monochrome Visions, Red Hook Coffee and TeaMonochrome Visions, Red Hook Coffee and Tea, Paula Brumbelow Burns, Fire, 2014

This exhibit contains approximately 40 photographs which adorn the walls of Red Hook Coffee and Tea arranged salon style on rustic brick.  Each black and white image has an amaranthine quality and evoke simple yet powerful feelings of connection with the photographer. What was he or she thinking at this exact moment of capture? What message is being conveyed? Every piece – each moment – seems to have a special meaning to each photographer as he or she spent the time to enlarge, transfer, and develop each image to perfection on photographic paper. Simply put, the photograph contains an emotional investment of time and artistry.

Monochrome Visions, Red Hook Coffee and TeaMonochrome Visions, Red Hook Coffee and Tea, Ed Keer, Philadelphia Walk #1

Developing a picture in a darkroom for the first time is a timeless experience that everyone should experience at least once in their life. The cathartic feeling that you get when you first see an image appear on a once blank sheet of paper is simply magical and spellbinding.  Nothing can compare.

Monochrome Visions, Red Hook Coffee and TeaMonochrome Visions, Red Hook Coffee and Tea, Amanda Abramson, Shadfest, Lambertville

Monochrome Visions, Red Hook Coffee and TeaMonochrome Visions, Red Hook Coffee and Tea, Carlos Chan, Azulejos

Stop into Red Hook to see the Monochrome Visions exhibit between now and June 18th and experience it for yourself.  Sit on a comfy chair in this charming cafe, enjoy a deliciously crafted Iced Honey Mint Latte or a tasty bowl of corn chowder, and allow the colorful panorama of Monochrome Visions to wash over your soul.

Monochrome Visions, Red Hook Coffee and TeaMonochrome Visions, Red Hook Coffee and Tea, Andrew Siegel, Capri, Italy

Monochrome Visions, Red Hook Coffee and TeaMonochrome Visions, Red Hook Coffee and Tea, Gene Renzi, Heavenly

Red Hook Coffee and Tea, 765 S. 4th St. Philadelphia, PA, 215-923-0178

Participating artists:

  • Amanda Abramson
  • Paula Brumbelow Burn
  • Carlos Chan
  • Chrissie DiAngelus
  • Edoarda Frangi
  • Rachel Glidden
  • Eddie Goldstein
  • Ed Keer
  • Katie Marcucci
  • Scott McClellan
  • Alexandra Orgera
  • Gene Renzi
  • Andrew Siegel
  • Rick Wright

Monochrome Visions, Red Hook Coffee and TeaMonochrome Visions, Red Hook Coffee and Tea

Written by Laura Storck

Instagram: http://instagram.com/laurastorck/

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Twitter: @Laura_Storck

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ADA

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City Hall Art Exhibit Celebrates the ADA at 25James Sanders, Odyssey (detail), part of Cultural Arts Center from SpArc Services.

City Hall Art Exhibit Celebrates the ADA at 25

Philadelphia, PA – In celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Art In City Hall presents Creative Voices – the ADA at 25, featuring the artistic achievements of Philadelphia area artists and local organizations serving people with disabilities.  The exhibit will be located on the 1st, 2nd and 4th floors of City Hall, NE corner.

An artist reception is scheduled for Thursday, June 18th, from 5-7 pm in the Council Caucus Room, City Hall, 4th floor.

Creative Voices is presented in collaboration with the following partners: Arc of Philadelphia, Art-Reach, Form in Art-Philadelphia Museum of Art, HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy, Main Line Art Center, Mayor’s Commission on People with Disabilities, Mid-Atlantic ADA Center, Moss Rehab-Einstein Hospital Network, Office of Councilman Dennis O’Brien, Pennhurst Memorial and Preservation Alliance, Pennsylvania History Coalition Honoring People with Disability, Pennsylvania School for the Deaf, and 10 professional artists from the Philadelphia region:

Nancy Alter, DoN Brewer, Elizabeth Core, Gerard di Falco, Eiko Fan, Terri Fridkin, Beth Ann Johnson, David Neisser, Tecu’Mish Munha’Ke and Carol Saylor.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) came into effect in 1990 as a civil rights law prohibiting discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public. The purpose of the law is to ensure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.

Creative Voices will include the story of Pennhurst, an early twentieth century asylum created at a time when people with disabilities were considered a “threat” to society.  This historical narrative, presented by Pennhurst Memorial and Preservation Alliance and the Pennsylvania History Coalition Honoring People with Disability, will serve as a reminder to how far society has come, and features the important work of the Arc of Philadelphia – part of SpArc Philadelphia – one of the organizations responsible for the closure of Pennhurst.

James Wilson, a board member of the Arc of Philadelphia, reflects on his involvement with the ADA and ending Pennhurst: “These were tumultuous times leading to huge advances in opening the schools, establishing community services and ultimately ADA. The Pennhurst case spurred changes to the Social Security Act and in the establishment of community services across the country, ultimately leading to the Americans with Disabilities Act.  All this started with Pennhurst.”

SpArc Philadelphia’s Cultural Arts Center will celebrate the work of its artists beside the Pennhurst display on the fourth floor near City Council Chambers.  Their participating artists are:

Yolanda Hilliard, Richard Johnston, James Sanders and Jennifer Williams.

The Art Gallery at City Hall, located on the first floor within the Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, will feature works by professional artists, including artists from Main Line Art Center and Moss Rehab’s permanent collection.  The gallery will also partner with Art-Reach to host a workshop for the visually impaired led by ceramic artist Beth McGuigan on Monday, June 8th.  The finished clay sculptures will be on display on June 18th for the opening reception.  Visitors who are visually impaired or legally blind will be encouraged to touch these works on exhibit.

“Having City Hall as a venue to celebrate the ADA’s 25th anniversary shows how the power of art can be a platform to celebrate one of the most important pieces of legislation in current history,” said City of Philadelphia’s Chief Cultural Officer, Helen E. Haynes. “Creative Voices connects art to civil rights.”

Near the Offices of the Mayor on the second floor, Creative Voices will present works by student artists from Pennsylvania School for the Deaf, the HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy, and works by Romaine Samworth and Michael Gieschen from the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s Form in Art program.

Philadelphia will take part in the national celebration of the 25th anniversary of the ADA on July 25th at City Hall and the National Constitution Center.  The ADA Legacy Tour Bus will promote its theme: Disability Rights are Civil Rights at both locations before heading to Washington D.C. on July 26th, the official birthdate of the ADA.  For more information, visit: http://www.adaanniversary.org/

Instrumental in bringing this celebration to Philadelphia is Charles Horton from the Mayor’s Commission on People with Disabilities, and Councilman Dennis O’Brien, a tireless advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disability.

“Our community has accomplished many great things over the years and the ADA has been the catalyst for change,” said Charles Horton. “Legislatively, economically and socially we as a community have begun to reach a level of empowerment and inclusion and therefore we must continue our fight for independence.”

Councilman Dennis O’Brien also recognized the impact of the ADA: “While we still have a long way to go, the ADA has opened so many doors for individuals with disabilities and this artwork is a celebration of that.”

Creative Voices – the ADA at 25 runs from June 8th to July 31st.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

For more information, visit: http://adata.org

The Arc of Philadelphia and SpArcPhiladelphia

For more information, visit: www.sparcphilly.org and www.arcphiladelphia.org

Art-Reach

For more information, visit: http://www.art-reach.org

Form in Art – Philadelphia Museum of Art

For more information, visit: http://www.creativeaging.org/creative-aging-program/6372

HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy

For more information, visit: http://hmsschool.org

Main Line Art Center

For more information, visit: https://www.mainlineart.org

The Mayor’s Commission on People with Disabilities

For more information, visit: http://www.phila.gov/mcpd

The Mid-Atlantic ADA Center

For more information, visit: http://www.adainfo.org

MossRehab

For more information, visit: http://www.mossrehab.com

Pennhurst Memorial and Preservation Alliance

For more information, visit: http://www.preservepennhurst.org

The Pennsylvania History Coalition Honoring People with Disability 

For more information, visit: http://disabilityhistorypa.com

Pennsylvania School for the Deaf

For more information, visit: http://www.psd.org

Tu Huynh, City Hall Exhibitions Manager, Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, 116 City Hall, Philadelphia PA 19107, 215.686.8446 (Office) | 215.686.9912 (Direct) www.creativephl.org  www.facebook.com/artincityhall

Read DoN‘s review of Creative Voices on DoNArTNeWs.com

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Submerging

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Nile Livingston, Submerging, Urban Art Gallery

Submerging, Nile Livingston at Urban Art Gallery, 7/5/15

“I remember going to the beach with my family when I was little. My father was holding my baby sister as he walked through the ocean toward the horizon. I asked my uncle to pick me up and take me out to them. The water reached my uncle’s waist by the time my father turned around and noticed our approach. He yelled to his brother to take me back to the shore. I began to fuss in protest when my uncle dropped me. Under the salt water my eyes were wide open, fixated as I sank toward the deep pit beneath me. I felt calm as I slowly, peacefully drifted downward. I passed a starfish resting on a rock, perfectly lit by the sun’s rays under water. Still sinking, I reached out to touch it. My fingertips were less than a hair away from the creature when my body was ripped out of the water and I gasped for air as I’m back in my uncle’s arms. Back on the shore I spent the rest of the day playing in the sand.

There is so much to discover in this world. Consequently, my passions are extremely charged and my art is the by-product of human consciousness. Biographic interpretations of growing up in a home filled with rolls of drafting papers, collections of teapots, and acoustic instruments have inspired me to explore endless aesthetic propositions. I produce artworks in various mediums that include painting, drawing and sculpture. Themes present in my art range from genealogical dementia, loss, character encounters, decadence, and poverty. Similar to a public diary entry, each installation reveals pieces of an evolving story of who we are as people.

As I journey beyond the communities I’m most familiar with, into a more global existence I’d like to share my lessons from everyday masters, produce artworks that examine sources of anxiety, document interactions, shared memories, and provide evidence for narrative works that address social change, environmental deprivation, and technological advances.” – Nile Livingston

My mission is to promote self expression and fulfillment. There is so much to see and learn about, and for that my passions are extremely charged and my artworks are the by-product of human consciousness. Similar to a public diary entry, each installation reveals pieces of an evolving story of who we are as people. – Nile Livingston artist statement

Founded in an effort to bridge art and the urban community, Urban Art Gallery‘s goal is to create an exciting venue where emerging artists can exhibit and sell their work. Through this, Urban Art Gallery looks to stimulate appreciation and participation in the arts, by showcasing unique and inspirational creations, which include but are not limited to, poetry showcases; live performances; youth workshops; and private events. – About Urban Art Gallery

UrbanArtGallery
262 s. 52nd St.
Philadelphia PA 19139

OPENING RECEPTION: Sunday, July 5th 2015, 4:00 – 7:00PM

Curator: Kalphonse Morris
KM@urban-artgallery.com
www.urban-artgallery.com

Thank you to Nile Livingston for providing the content of this post.

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Stoopid

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Stoopid-Naturall Spring Pop Up Art Show at Jed Williams Gallery

JOMBI SUPASTAR

Stoopid-Naturall Spring Pop Up Art Show at Jed Williams Gallery, June 5 – 7

This funky audio-visual spring celebration will feature mixed media 2D paintings and new never seen before work including collaborative live multimedia by Juan Dimida, JOMBI SUPASTAR and James Tafel Shuster. Fresh off a recent show at Bahdeebahdu in Northern Liberties these artists celebrate their joint talents in this fun display of experimental audio visuals.

Studio visits with these awesome artists are available upon request. Please join us for opening night, June 5 from 7:00pm – 9:00pm. Jed Williams Gallery 615 Bainbridge St., Philadelphia PA 19147-2111

stoopid2

Juan Dimida

Jed Williams Gallery welcomes back Juan Dimida and JOMBI SUPASTAR and is pleased to show the work of James Tafel Shuster for the first time. Jombi first exhibited his mixed media paintings, collages/works on paper in “Jombi Supastar-candy flippin’ ‘”, November 1st – December 20th 2014; and Juan Dimida was one the first artists to show at Jed Williams Gallery in 2011.

stoopid3James Tafel Shuster

James Tafel Shuster has shown throughout the Philadelphia area and currently produces new work in his Germantown studio.

According to James Tafel Shuster, “The human form and portrait, and especially the personality of any individual, have been main focuses and sources of inspiration in my work. A camera is capable of freezing a person’s image in place, but my paintings strive to allow the image to move and the personality to be the element that is frozen.”

JUAN DIMIDA www.flickr.com/photos/juandimida/

JAMES SHUSTER www.jamestafelshuster.com

JOMBI SUPASTAR www.flickr.com/photos/supastarartwork/sets/72157605817671779/

About Jed Williams Gallery: Recently named one of the top art galleries in Bella Vista and Queen Village by Philadelphia Magazine, Jed Williams Gallery is a unique art space owned and operated since 2010 by artist Jed Williams. Jed Williams Gallery showcases up-and-coming and inspiring artists from the Philadelphia area. Artists featured are from all backgrounds including classically trained as well as self-taught outsider artists. The gallery shows a variety of thoughtful, cutting edge high quality works ranging from 2D, mixed media and painting, to video, installation and sculpture.

Jed Williams Gallery

Thank you to Kimberly Neff Consulting for the content of this post.

kimberly@kimberlybneff.com

Read Laura Storck‘s review of JOMBI SUPASTAR‘s ‘candi flippin‘ on DoNArTNeWs

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