Dog Story

So what does this “Dog Story” have to do with photography and our current efforts to promote the dcfineartphotography.blogspot.com? Possibly nothing and maybe everything. You see for me, it’s all about passion. Passion for photographic images that get your juices going and passion for causes that make your heart beat.

On September 10, 2012, while Bill and I held him in our arms, our precious canine companion of 13 years, Teddy, simply stopped breathing at 4am in the morning. Teddy’s illness had been short and when he came to his final moments he was in no pain or distress. Such a blessing he gave us. It was a tragic, but peaceful ending to a wonderful life. I have endured the death of many animal companions in my adult life. Teddy’s demise was undoubtedly the most difficult I had ever experienced. But, I knew his time had come to an end. Unfortunately, Bill had never experienced such a loss as the passing of Teddy. For two months, Bill steadfastly refused to consider a new dog entering into our home. Things can change and they did.

A few weeks ago, Bill saw a photo of a dog in need of rescue on my brother Andrew’s Facebook page. God knows for what reason, Bill reacted sympathetically to the picture of “Rico” and sent the little South Carolina shelter $60 to keep him off the “to be put down list” and into foster care. Long story short, Bill decided to adopt the mutt. With the help of brother Andrew, a seventeen hour car transport and transfer brought Rico, now known as Ricky to my front door.

On the shelter website, Ricky was identified as a Catahoula Leopard dog. But, since he was also listed as a stray, who really knows what he is? He does have the strange markings and the bizarre marbled eyes characteristic of a Catahoula. In keeping with the breed, he is a rambunctious ball of energy and demands a lot of attention. At the same time, he is affectionate, intelligent and territorial of his new turf. I believe Ricky understands he has been rescued and given the chance of a second life.

So what is the connection between my long-term obsession with photography and my commitment to animal welfare? I can only say again, it’s all about passion. Whenever I visit the Washington Animal Rescue League, I witness the dedication of the WARL staff and volunteers to enhance the lives of the kittens, cats, puppies and dogs entrusted to their care. Time and time again, photographers present images which illustrate their commitment and passion for a particular subject or theme. Such is the case for Taryn Simon’s thought provoking series, “A Living Man Declared Dead and Other Chapters I – XVIII,” currently on view at the Corcoran Gallery of Art. At the Folger Shakespeare Library, “Very Like a Whale,” a massive exhibition of books, objects and photographs by Rosamond Purcell, is yet another example of passion, or should I say obsession.

Our animal companions teach us about relationships and enhance our lives. Seems to me, photographers I represent and admire are doing much the same, just using a different medium.

The Serial Portrait: Photography and Identity in the Last One Hundred Years

A fascinating exhibition is currently on view at the National Gallery of Art (West Building, Ground Floor), The Serial Portrait: Photography and Identity in the Last One Hundred Years, through December 31.

The exhibit features twenty artists who photographed the same subjects, mostly family members, friends, or lovers, over a period of days, months or years. As the wall text says, these portraits “capture changes both subtle and dramatic in appearance, demeanor and situation.”

Totally predictable for a show of this specific theme is the inclusion of Alfred Stieglitz’s gorgeous portraits of Georgia O’Keeffe, Harry Callahan’s classic images of Eleanor, Emmet Gowin series of Edith and Nicholas Nixon’s documentation of the Brown Sisters. As wonderful as these images are, it’s like seeing old friends. These photographic masters have been seen in exhibits and publications over the years. At the same time, The Serial Portrait has surprises. There is a charming series of Andre Kertesz portraits of his brother Jeno, chronically his sibling from playful youth to adulthood. I enjoyed the opportunity to revisit Ilse Bing’s and Francesca Woodman’s self-portraits. The exhibition culminates with some very contemporary photographers. In that realm, Nikki S. Lee’s “Project Series” is intriguing combination of portraiture, role-playing, and social commentary.

One can view the digital brochure for the exhibition on line at www.nga.gov/serial. Don’t be lazy! Go see the exhibition and experience, first hand, the pleasure of viewing the beauty of the prints and scale of the portraits.

Something Old/ Something New

There’s always fascinating fine photography on view in the DC Area. Here are my current recommendations:

For something old, check out Frank Hallam Day “Waterline” exhibition at Addison/Ripley Fine Art. This is Frank’s fifth exhibition at Addison/Ripley, so he qualifies as an “old timer.” As best I can tell, the photographs on view were made with a banquet camera, requiring 12 x 20 inch film (that’s damn impressive in and of itself, and does contribute to the “old” factor). These large scale digital photographic print curiously recall the formal image making of 19^th century photographers: quiet lyrical images with no editorial comment. Go to www.addisonripleyfineart.com for more information.

For the “new,” I highly recommend (and acknowledge my personal prejudice) Leah Appel's show of “New Work” at Hillyer Art Space, 9 Hillyer Court, located behind the wonderful Phillips Collection. Leah’s exhibition opens on Friday, November 2^nd and continues through November 30^th.

Leah Appel is a fascinating emerging, new generation, Washington, DC photographer. Leah has been pursing her career for several years since she graduated from the photography program at Savannah College of Art and Design. She continues to explore image making with new and fresh ideas of shape, form and color. I’m sure there are many young accomplished photographers in the Washington area, but I believe Leah is one of the best. Go check it out.

AND BEYOND THE OLD AND THE NEW;

A MAJOR PHOTOGRAPHIC EXPLORATION:

I’m still trying to digest Rosamond Purcell’s amazingly complex exhibition, Very like a Whale, a massive display of books, photographs and objects at the Folger Shakespeare Library (201 East Capitol Street). Are there any Shakespeare fans out there would like to comment on this exhibition? I would love to have your impressions and reviews.

Check it out at: www.folger.edu/whale.

Very much welcome your thoughts and comments.

Best, Kathleen