While Singing Happy Birthday

By Elin Spring & Suzanne Révy

We are sure it has escaped no one: the dark irony of singing Happy Birthday, twice, while vigorously lathering soap into every nook of our hands in an attempt to dislodge the invisible, ferocious contagion that threatens to annihilate birthdays across the globe. Happy Birthday joyfully reminds us to guard our birthdays, protect our loved ones and our neighbors. This little ditty is no longer merely a reminder of good hygiene but a call to civic duty. It has become an ode to the greater good and a reawakening of that errant sense of national community that has escaped us far too long. So please, remember to wash your hands and sing Happy Birthday, twice. Sing it for yourself, sing it for all of us, and sing it with all your heart.

“Willsall, Montana, 2018” by Peter Kayafas (courtesy of the artist and Gallery Kayafas, Boston). At Gallery Kayafas. See more: https://www.whatwillyouremember.com/peter-kayafas-peter-chan-logan-nutter-michael-lafleur-at-gallery-kayafas-boston/

Another thing that has not escaped anyone: this is not our April Best Photo Picks. While there are inspiring and intriguing exhibits on gallery and museum walls around Boston and beyond, courtesy of the Covid-19 pandemic, they must remain unseen for the time being. Fortunately, we were able to visit and review many of these shows before their venues were closed and we invite you to explore our lively pages for the views, reviews and interviews that may pique your interest. Like us, you may be harboring a pent-up desire to embrace photography beyond the confines of social distancing.

Lee Kilpatrick, “Porchfest Cookout” from the “Together” series, courtesy of the artist and the Danforth. At Danforth Art. See more: https://www.whatwillyouremember.com/family-fictions-family-circle-at-the-danforth/

With that sense of adventure in mind, throughout April we will present pairings of photographs with quotes, lyrics and poetry that may highlight books you can order or shows you may hopefully see later. In a world gone suddenly dire, our intent is to ignite flights of fancy with pithy mash-ups that provoke, amuse and soothe. Keep singing!

“Family Car Trouble” photography by Gus Powell. (Book photographed by Suzanne Révy) See more in our “Circle of Life” comparative book review: https://www.whatwillyouremember.com/book-review-mathilde-helene-pettersen-ashly-stohl-gus-powell-birthe-piontek-stephen-dirado/