Where We Live

I found myself back at the beautiful George Eastman House this holiday season. For those of you unfamiliar with this house, you definitely aren’t from Rochester. George Eastman was a man who made his fortune from his achievements in developing the first personal camera, the Brownie Box and eventually Kodak. His philanthropic contributions to our small city, as well as his breathtaking mansion/museum have made Eastman a Rochester icon. On a recent clear and cold night in early December, I visited the house for roughly the 12^th time. The beauty of the house was brand new to me during the holiday season. Poinsettias and gingerbread houses lined the grand hallways. The Christmas tree and dining room table were decorated, just as they were for George, nearly a century ago.

Even more exciting than the Christmas spirit of the house, was the new photography exhibition, Where We Live. This exhibit features photos of Rochester’s past in celebration of our city’s 175^th anniversary. Thanks to Eastman’s invention of the personal camera, Rochester is well documented with some of the earliest photographs of any city. I found it fascinating to see the exact streets and buildings I’m so familiar with— but 100 years ago. Horse and buggy running where cars now drive. The Erie Canal where the expressway now lies. As a first generation Rochesterian, I felt a sense of pride and belonging, knowing I’m a part of a city rich with history and culture.

One part of the exhibit features photos of Rochester submitted by members of our community. To contribute your photo to Where We Live, visit www.eastmanhouse.org. On display now through January 24, 2010.

Paint Made Flesh

The Memorial Art Gallery is currently featuring the exhibit Paint Made Flesh, a collection of paintings in celebration of the human body. Each piece of artwork uniquely represents the human spirit through the canvas of skin and body.

I enjoyed The Hobo by John Currin (1999). There is something about this hobo girl that makes the viewer automatically like her. She appears endlessly joyful with a cherub-like face and rosy cheeks. Her small bag contains all of her worldly belongings, but she is by no means deprived of anything. Her voluptuous body shows that she is healthy and happy. Her face is youthful and glowing, yet her body isn’t as perfect. She makes no apologies for her sagging breasts and full mid-section. Confidence exudes from her and her optimism is contagious. I imagine her travels have given her experience in many cultures- but has not worn her out. I want to know this hobo, and hear about her travels. I’m sure we would become great friends. She would always be up for a grand adventure, or at least a good laugh.

There are dozens of paintings that will touch the audience, like The Hobo touched me. Many paintings contain anti-war themes. I never realized how the look of flesh can send such a powerful message. The human body represents age and experience. I recommend touring with a docent to learn the full story behind each painting, and the influences each artist incorporated in their work.

Paint Made Flesh is on display now through January 3rd 2010.

500 University Ave. Rochester, NY 14607 (585) 276-8900

http://mag.rochester.edu/exhibitions/index.html#PaintMadeFlesh