SHAMOKIN — Artisan Alley Fine Arts Gallery will hold an opening reception for the ‘Intersections’ Juried Exhibition on Friday, Oct. 6, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Shamokin gallery to display art from artists all around the state, Mid-Atlantic region
“Women’s Cry” photography exhibition lands in New York
The courage of women committed to the promotion of human rights and the protection of Creation is the protagonist at the Perelman Performing Arts Center in New York, on the occasion of the United Nations General Assembly. The photographic exhibition, curated by Lia Beltrami in collaboration with the Holy See’s Dicastery for Communication, had already been hosted – last May – in the Colonnade of St. Peter’s Square
Vatican News
From St. Peter’s Square to Ground Zero to reaffirm a message of peace, reconciliation and hope for a better humanity. On the occasion of the 78th session of the General Assembly of the United Nations, the presentation of the photographic exhibition “Emotions to Generate Change – Women’s Cry” was held – on Wednesday, September 20, in New York. The exhibit had previously been displayed to the public for the first time in May in a unique context: the Bernini Colonnade in St. Peter’s Square. Once again on this occasion, the exhibition conceived by Lia Beltrami brings together 26 shots by eight great photographers from around the world and bears witness to women’s resilience in remote areas of the planet or in countries ravaged by war. Again it was hosted in an exceptional venue: the Perelman Arts Center, an arts and culture pavilion that has just been inaugurated in the area where the World Trade Center once stood before the terror attacks of 9/11.
Women’s Cry in New York City
The exhibition Women’s Cry was realized thanks to the synergy of several entities: the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organizations UMOFC-WUCWO, through its World Women’s Observatory, the Holy See’s Dicastery for Communication and the Handshake agency. After the introductory remarks from the artistic director of the Perelman Arts Center, Bill Rauch, the deputy editorial director of the Vatican media, Alessandro Gisotti, spoke underlining that this exhibition tells us “stories of fraternity, reconciliation, og the struggle against all discrimination, while supporting human dignity and integral human development. That is why each photo is accompanied by a phrase taken from Pope Francis’ Encyclical, Fratelli Tutti. From Togo to Ukraine, from the Amazon to Bangladesh, this exhibition not only shares the cry of women, as the title itself indicates, but wants to emphasize the hope that women give to their communities, their people, and the whole world”. He then recalled Marshall McLuhan’s definition of photography: writing with light. “In these photos,” Gisotti said, “we find so much light. The light that emanates from the courage of women, mothers, daughters, working women, women who overcome every possible obstacle to give a better future to the people they love. We are sure that those who see this exhibition will take home some of the light that these women radiate to make today’s world less dark.” For her part, Lia Beltrami emphasized hope, which “characterizes all the stories told through the images of the exhibition”. A hope – added the curator of the exhibition – that is nourished by the tenacity of women capable of overcoming the “toughest challenges” for the good of their families and their communities
Women also took center stage at the beginning of the day at the international office of Religions for Peace located right in front of the United Nations building with the screening of the docufilm Guardians of the Rainforest, a work by Lia and Marianna Beltrami. The work, supported by the Interfaith Rainforest Initiative shines the spotlight on indigenous women fighting in defence of the rainforests in Brazil, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Borneo. The screening was followed by a discussion on the role of indigenous peoples and particularly of women in protecting Creation. Underlining the importance of the theme and the docufilm, Gabriel Labbate, head of the Climate Mitigation Unit of UNEP, the UN Environment Program, also participated in the Religions for Peace event.
Lia Beltrami presents the exhibition
Photographer Defends $63k Salary After Senator Compares Job to Smartphone
An Irish photographer has defended her $63,000 (€60,000) salary after a senator compared the job to taking photos on a smartphone.
Last week, Ireland’s public service broadcaster RTÉ began inviting applicants for a job as an on-set photographer on the popular television series Fair City.
The photographer was required to deliver a minimum of 16 approved photograph stills in both high and low resolution to Fair City for 50 weeks per year. They were also needed on the television show’s set or on location an average of 20 hours per week over three days.
RTÉ, which is partly financed by the television licence fee, said the on-set photographer would be paid a salary of $63,000 (€60,000) per year — which amounted to $255,600 (€240,000) over a four-year contract.
A National Scandal Over a Photographer’s $63,000 Salary
The $63k-per-year photographer’s salary caused a national scandal. RTÉ is currently facing a financial funding crisis and the photography job was condemned as another example of the public service broadcaster’s “overspending.”
At a hearing about RTÉ at Ireland’s national parliament Oireachtas last Wednesday, Fine Gael Senator Micheál Carrigy expressed his shock about the supposedly excessive salary.
At the hearing, Carrigy compared a professional photographer’s job to taking pictures on a smartphone. According to The Irish Times, Carrigy said that his assistant was able to take photos on his phone for free.
“I’ve asked my assistant to take a picture of me speaking here and I’ll show it to you in about two minutes’ time and it won’t cost anything to be able to do that,” Carrigy says.
Following the hearing, RTÉ stopped the search for the on-set photographer and suspended applications for the Fair City job.
‘Photography is Not Just a Matter of Pressing a Button’
Now, Beta Bajgart, the photographer who currently holds the on-set Fair City photographer contract, has spoken out and condemned Carrigy’s “insulting and derogatory” remarks about the profession.
In an open letter posted on Instagram, Bajgart says that a photographer’s work is “not just a matter of pressing a button on a smartphone”.
“Firstly, not that I should have to, but your ignorant comment of reducing a photographer’s work to such a level astounded me so much that perhaps I do need to explain,” Bajgart writes.
The photographer explained that the average time she spends on the set of Fair City is 30 hours per week, over three full days, in addition to time editing, postproduction enhancement, prepping packs as well as emails and meetings.
“The photographer on RTÉ’s Fair City is an independent contractor who does not receive any benefits that you and your colleague are more familiar with for example,” Bajgart says.
“There is no pension, no paid holidays, and no sick leave,” she says, adding that the photographer must buy and update their own equipment and have their own transport.
“The utter disregard that the photography profession received in the press in the past week, compounded by your derogatory remarks, feeds into the damaging stereotype that art and creative professions don’t deserve the same respect and financial benefits as any other profession.”
Bajgart demanded that Carrigy apologize for his remarks which insulted not only photographers, but also the entire creative industry.
Image credits: Header photos via Instagram/@beta.bajgart and finegael.ie
New glass sculpture creates a verdant wonderland at Apple’s Cupertino HQ
‘Mirage’ at Apple Park is the work of Zeller & Moye and artist Katie Paterson, a shimmering array of glass columns that snakes through the grounds of the company’s monumental HQ
The Queens Museum Repurposed a Set of ‘Temporary Walls’ For Another Exhibition. Turns Out it Was a Sculpture By Xaviera Simmons
Xaviera Simmons built a site-specific structure for her solo show at the Queens Museum. The institution repainted it for the next exhibition.
16 Things To Do Around DC This Weekend
A neighborhood celebration for Petworth, a music festival in College Park, and a celebration of Latiné drag are all on the events agenda around the region this weekend.
dutch photographer erwin olaf passes away aged 64
Erwin Olaf dies at 64
Erwin Olaf, the renowned Dutch photographer known for his striking blend of cinematic and painterly aesthetics that capture the multiple dimensions of human existence, has died at the age of 64. Olaf’s artistic vision has a unique appeal, characterized by its meticulous stylization and sophistication. Beneath the surface, however, lies a profound exploration of societal dilemmas, taboos, and established norms. His works often delve into these themes, revealing their complexity through subtle, enigmatic nuances.
The photographer’s death was confirmed on Wednesday, September 20th, 2023, through a post on his official Instagram account. ‘It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved friend Erwin Olaf. A few weeks ago, Erwin had a lung transplant. The recovery seemed to be going very well. He suddenly became unwell on Wednesday morning and CPR was to no avail,’ his team shared.‘ We’re going to miss him terribly.’
Grief, Caroline, 2007 | image by Erwin Olaf courtesy of Houk Gallery
the artistic legacy of erwin olaf
In his work, Erwin Olaf (find more here) elevates the mundane and unphotogenic aspects of our world. The subjects are illuminated in flawless lighting and draped in impeccably tailored clothing, set against carefully crafted backdrops. Behind this facade, however, there is often a subtle yet poignant detail — a slightly tilted head or glittering eyes — that subtly unveils a realm of mystery and emotional turmoil. The artist described his creations as ‘a perfect world with a crack.’
Olaf’s artistic journey has consistently focused on individuals at the fringes of society, including women, people of color, and the LGBTQ+ community. Throughout his long career, the Dutch artist has actively advocated for equality, initially by capturing the pre-AIDS gay liberation movement in Amsterdam’s nightlife during the 1980s.
Grief, Grace, 2007 | image by Erwin Olaf courtesy of Houk Gallery
In 2019 Olaf became a Knight of the Order of the Lion of the Netherlands after 500 works from his oeuvre were added to the collection of the Rijksmuseum (find more here). Over the years, he served as the official portrait artist for the Dutch royal family, and designed the national side of the euro coins for King Willem-Alexander in 2013.
‘Erwin Olaf saw beauty in every person. He was a key figure in history for his activism and role in the LGBTQIA+ communities and a photographer who defined his medium in the Netherlands. An artist of tremendous drive, his attention to detail was unparalleled,’ Taco Dibbits, Director of the Rijksmuseum, said in reaction to Olaf’s death. ‘The Rijksmuseum received Erwin Olaf’s core collection in 2018. We regarded him as a true friend, and we shall miss him.’
Meanwhile, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima took to Instagram to commemorate the photographer.‘The Netherlands has lost a unique, exceptionally talented photographer and a great artist,’ they shared.‘We will miss his friendship,’ they added.
Palm Springs, The Kite, 2018 | image by Erwin Olaf courtesy of Houk Gallery
Palm Springs, The Farewell, 2018 | image by Erwin Olaf
Rain, The Hair Dresser’s, 2004 | image by Erwin Olaf courtesy of Houk Gallery
RISD Continuing Education Unlocks Your Creative Potential With 7 Online Certificates
By RISD CE Residential Interior Design Certificate student Emily Rives
RISD Continuing Education is excited to continue its online adult art and design learning. This fall, students from around the world can engage in fully asynchronous courses, which offer opportunities to explore new areas of interest, cultivate their creative potential, or develop new skills. For students interested in taking their learning to the next level, RISD CE now offers seven fully online certificate programs for adults:
- Animation
- Graphic Design
- Interactive Design
- Natural Science Illustration
- Painting Studies
- Photography
- Residential Interior Design
RISD CE Certificate Programs are designed to facilitate personal and professional development by engaging students in sustained exploration and learning in specific creative disciplines. These non-credit online certificates equip students with skills, confidence, proficiency, and real-world experience to accelerate creative lives and work. With no entry requirements, students with any background can learn with motivated peers to develop their portfolio, broaden existing skills, explore a new career path or life pursuit, or start their own business and build the network that will help them do it.
Notably, RISD CE certificate programs make it possible for busy adult students to explore a new career direction while continuing to work in their current field, with more flexibility and affordability than a degree, and a focus on building marketable skills and a portfolio. Students complete their coursework at their own pace to fit into their unique life and schedule.
The newly updated Residential Interior Design certificate has become one of the most popular, giving motivated students with a variety of backgrounds the knowledge and skills to get started in a growing professional field. The program was recently redesigned to address the interests and pursuits of students, focusing on residential spaces like kitchens, baths, and outdoor living areas, while ensuring that coursework is streamlined and that the technology utilized aligns with industry standards. The outcome? Students from all over have enrolled to achieve their unique interior design goals, from taking on projects in their own homes to strengthening skills and marketability in related fields like theater set design.
There is still time to get started in a course or certificate program this fall! Courses begin October 30. Online courses for teen students are also available, including the year-round intensive Advanced Program Online.
To learn more, visit ce.risd.edu.
Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. The article RISD Continuing Education Unlocks Your Creative Potential With 7 Online Certificates appeared first on Colossal.
Artist premieres art in Europe and SEASAM
Artist Jimmy Dean Horn’s eclectic and complicated works of art are attracting international attention and he plans to make his first-ever appearance at the Southeastern Art Show and Market (SEASAM)
He’s not hot, he’s just buzzed by the public art in Bridgeville
As a young girl growing up in Upper St. Clair, Bitsy Bellaver enjoyed going to the Bridgeville Dari Delite on Bower Hill Road for ice cream.
She also remembers…
She also remembers…
