The unnervingly direct stare of Jessie Mann penetrates the viewer. Take a few minutes in Adamson Gallery at 14th and P, and see what I mean. Titled “Self Possessed,” it’s a small showing of twenty-seven prints, on display until February 24th.
The photographs are the result of a partnership between Jessie Mann (as model, though in some shots you see her with a shutter release) and Len Prince (as photographer). The Post review touched on the show’s teasing the boundaries between photographer and muse, creator and subject. Having posed for a photographer in my day, I understand how the partnership can be more complex than “hold your head like this; look over there and think of something sad.” It’s really a covenant you are entering into with another creative person – “I will convey your message, but you will immortalize my essence” – there has to be absolute trust to create something that indelible. It’s a powerful bond that’s very evident in this exhibit.
This post appeared in its original form at DC Metblogs
I love playing the “if I could pick one work to bring home, which would it be?” game with art exhibits. I was most struck by a photograph of Ms. Mann bathing in a rolling stream, reminiscent of the myth of Artemis. You feel a certain sense of voyeuristic danger. Runner-up was a much larger print of her caught in mid-stride towards the camera, in rugged farmer’s clothes, her intense stare hooded by the shadow of her hat. The captured movement of both really affected me in ways the other more static photographs didn’t (though I appreciated their style as well). Both blur the boundaries between viewer and subject, pulling you into the frame.
It also was interesting to see an exhibit entirely made up of silver gelatin prints – reminding one that even in the digital age a good photograph is not just about the image captured, it’s also about the photographer’s decision of how that image will be experienced by the viewer.
From model to photographer to viewer – eventually you are brought into their world and become part of their bond. That is the artist’s goal, after all.
This post appeared in its original form at DC Metblogs
As one of the founding editors of We Love DC, Jenn’s passions are theater and cocktails. After two decades in the city, she’s loved every quirky, mundane, elegant, rude minute of her DC life. A proud advocate for DC’s talented drinks scene, she’s judged the Corcoran Gallery of Art’s ARTINI contest, the DC Rickey Month contest, the Jefferson Hotel’s Quill Cocktail competition, and is a founding member of LUPEC DC. A graduate of Catholic University’s drama program, she toured the country as a member of National Players, and has been both an actor and a costume designer before jumping the aisle to theater criticism. Writing for We Love DC restored her happiness after a life-threatening illness, and she’s grateful to you, dear readers. Send your suggestions to jenn (at) welovedc (dot) com and follow her on Twitter.
