If variety is the spice of life, the photography offerings in Boston’s South End this month provide a veritable banquet for the eyes. Within an easy stroll, everything from vintage B&W prints to contemporary mixed media deliver a full range of savory encounters. For Boston photography fans, September is a month of treats on Harrison Avenue.
“No. 10, The Double, 2010” mixed media by Samira Alikhanzadeh (courtesy of Robert Klein Gallery, Boston)
Contemporary Iranian artist Samira Alikhanzadeh’s exotic, colorful and large mixed media pieces can be viewed at the Robert Klein Gallery satellite, Ars Libri, through September 27, 2014. Starting with found photographs from the 1930’s, 40’s and 50’s, a period following the banishment of the veil in her country, Alikhanzadeh applies acrylic paints in hues meant to reflect “a society filled with deeply satirical contrasts” and, in a coup de grace, applies mirrors to the surface, often over the eyes, to literally bring the viewer into her frame. Our fragmented presence in the photographs juxtapose past and present, allowing us to enter the lives and culture of past generations. The effect is at once charming and mysterious, like Iranian society itself.
“Floater Field 1, 2014” cyanotype photogram on gampi paper, 72×72 inches, by Deb Todd Wheeler (courtesy of Miller Yezerski Gallery, Boston)
For Deb Todd Wheeler, now at Miller Yezerski Gallery through October 21, 2014, the term “mixed media” doesn’t even begin to do justice to her work, let alone the immersive effect it has on the viewer. Inventive and engaging enough to be an exhibit at the Museum of Science, it begs to be experienced firsthand. The works can be enjoyed on a purely visual level or, if you let them, become a cerebral encounter. Especially transporting: her large cyanotype photograms of floating plastic and bubbles, printed on patchworked rice paper and suspended an inch or so from the wall, so that it shivers and undulates as air passes around it. Sublime.
“The Accordian, 2014” archival pigment print by Asia Kepka and Lynn Dowling (courtesy of the artists and Griffin Museum of Photography)
Photographer Asia Kepka and writer Lynn Dowling give a sneak preview of “Horace and Agnes, A Love Story” at the new satellite exhibit space for the Griffin Museum of Photography, at 530 Harrison Avenue. A vibrant and magical adventure, starring a cast of characters with human bodies in animal masks, this charming allegory of love and friendship employs the trickery of Sesame Street – it looks like it’s for youngsters, but it’s aimed squarely at adults. On view through October 26, 2014, bring the kids and see if you can recognize yourself!
“Painter’s Wife (Helen Abelen) c.1926/1995” by August Sander (courtesy of Gallery Kayafas, Boston)
In the “not to be missed” category is Gallery Kayafas’ blockbuster show pairing portraits by German master August Sander and contemporary American photographer Jess T. Dugan, on exhibit through October 11, 2014. In an exploration of identity that spans a century, Sander’s exquisite B&W prints and Dugan’s emotionally powerful images are intertwined in a way that invites comparisons and engages the imagination about a search as old as humanity. For a full review of this show, see yesterday’s blogpost: https://whatwillyouremember.com/dynamic-duo-at-gallery-kayafas/
“Devotion, 2012” pigmented ink print by Jess T. Dugan (courtesy of the artist and Gallery Kayafas, Boston)
For more information about Samira Alikhanzadeh at Ars Libri, go to: http://www.robertkleingallery.com/
For more information about Deb Todd Wheeler at Miller Yezerski Gallery, go to: http://www.milleryezerskigallery.com/
For more information about “Horace and Agnes, A Love Story” at 530 Harrison Avenue, go to: http://www.griffinmuseum.org/blog/the-griffin-museum-at-sowa/
For more information about August Sander and Jess T. Dugan at Gallery Kayafas, go to: http://www.gallerykayafas.com/
Feature image: “Peace, 2013”, mixed media, from the series Double by Samira Alikhanzadeh (courtesy of Robert Klein Gallery, Boston)
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