Invitation to Michael Goldblatt’s: Dialaogue – Meditations on Aging
May 29, 2014
Dear Friends and Fans of Photography,
This is your invitation and announcement of our next opening: Dialogue – Meditations on Aging, by Cape Town photographer Michael Goldblatt. After shooting the first two-thirds of the exhibit in South Africa, Michael spent the last four weeks in Madison shooting and preparing the final images. We have had a blast together, and I have learned so much from him.
The opening (if all continues on schedule) will be Friday evening, June 6th, from 5:30 to 8:30. Per usual, we will have refreshments, wine, and a presentation by the photographer. You will have an opportunity to meet and talk with this unique, interesting, and provocative man. His wife Adele has just joined him here, and she will be with us that evening as well. Michael will discuss with us his process and thoughts, and will be glad to answer any of your questions or address any issues of interest to you.
This has been a nip and tuck, pressure-cooker three weeks, but sometimes the creative process benefits from deadlines. Most importantly, I am delighted with the outcome.
I also want to share with you a word of caution: these images are very large, bold, sometimes raw, sometimes lighthearted, but always both humorous and serious studies of the aging male body – in all its glory and failings. Let me assure you that there is nothing gross, or ugly here, and that you will not be embarrassed. The images may provoke controversy, but in my judgment they are dignified, discrete and tasteful.
The message I take away from this exhibit would go something like this: “yes there are many miles on these bodies, but there are many more very good miles to go. We take poignant delight in all that life has yet to offer, but we also have much to give, much to teach, and you (society) will put us out to pasture at your peril, and at your loss.” I am confident that each of will have your own reactions and messages.
The baby boom generation – the generation that came of age and created the social/cultural waves of the sixties, which we are in many ways riding out, maturing from, outgrowing, and/or expanding upon – is having to come to grips with this aging thing. As family members and friends pass along ahead of us, as we ourselves experience the changes in our bodies and capacities, denial no longer serves us well. My-two cents worth, and why I am hanging this show.
Thanks for reading, and I hope all of you will make an effort to see this exhibit.
Yours,
John