“Of course, there will always be those who look only at technique, who ask ‘how,’ while others of a more curious nature will ask ‘why.’ Personally, I have always preferred inspiration to information.” — Man Ray
There has always been a divide between craftsmanship and art; in almost no discipline is it more confused than photography. Craftsmanship falls on the side of creating something that will please others, Art is about revealing yourself.
A visit to the current Detroit Institute of Arts show Patti Smith: Camera Solo allows us a unique vision into an artist’s mind. The exhibit is a stream of conscience flow of pictures, as if she were pointing to objects and saying “look at this, it’s important.” She has a successful book “Just Kids”, new album “Banga” and short movie that plays on the DIA’s second floor.
It’s worth the visit to Patti Smith’s world, so rarely does anyone offer such easy and complete access, with such great reward. The exhibition runs through September 2, 2012 at the DIA.
Please check out this in depth review: http://motownreviewofart.blogspot.com/2012/06/patti-smith-photograher-in-search-of.html
– Roy Feldman of Detroit Performs
Image: Robert Mapplethorpe, Chelsea Hotel, 1969, Patti Smith, 2008, gelatin silver print. Courtesy the artist and Robert Miller Gallery, New York. Image credit: © Patti Smith
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