I visited the Addison Gallery yesterday for the purpose of seeing an exhibit on artist's books by Angela Lorenz. I found had a hard time with her work, mostly I guess because of its inaccessability. Her work, for me at least, said nothing, and only after reading what seemed like little histories of the world could you gain any kind of understanding.
The trip to the gallery however redeemed itself when I wandered upstairs and saw "Class Pictures," a collection of photographs by Dawoud Bey. Bey photographed students from all parts of economic, racial and ethic backgrounds in Detroit; Lawrence and Andover, MA; Orlando; San Francisco; and New York City, spending about two to three weeks in each school.
In this exhibit, Bey had each of the students write something about themselves, either about who they are, what people think of them, how they are classified, what their aspirations/ interests are, and included the little blurbs beside the corresponding photos. What was particularly interesting was the way text in the artist book exhibit did not work well, they were too long, distracting, and needed merely as an explanation for the work, whereas in the Bey exhibit text was extremely moving and effective. The photos and the text worked off each other in a very close and amusing relationship. Both added so much depth to the person who was pictured.
I loved how close, how real, and unedited these photographs were. Every little imperfection showed, it made you feel like they were actually sitting right there with you. I also liked the way each student stared right into the camera, as if they could see through it. The eyes were all so penetrating, waiting for something, as if, after sharing who they were, it was time for you to give your answer.
crazzzy. i loved this.
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