| Issue #49, March 16, 2007 |
art commentary With Marion Wolberg Weiss
SURPRISE PLACES: “WOMEN BY WOMEN” AT TULLA BOOTH
Part II
March is Women’s History Month for those of us who may have forgotten. It’s appropriate, therefore, that Sag Harbor’s Tulla Booth Gallery is celebrating with an exhibit, “Women by Women.” This critic feels particularly pleased that the images also honor the genius of female photographers, especially Ruth Orkin.
One of Ms. Orkin’s most famous photographs is “American Girl in Italy, 1951,” showing a lovely woman walking down a busy Italian street. She is the only female on the block, and her presence is duly noted by the many men who are casting amorous glances in her direction. Our first thought is, “How did the photographer capture such a candid image?” Our second thought is, “Is it really candid?” Ms. Orkin is not known to pose her subjects.
We can’t imagine that in real life, twenty grown men would be looking at a woman the way these men are. But then again, truth is stranger than fiction. Either way, the picture proves the validity of the “male gaze.” And the objectified female.
The exhibit shows other ways that women have been depicted, with captivating and intense images. As such, the show functions as a selected survey, on one hand, and an arresting montage on the other. No doubt Tulla Booth deserves credit for a fine job of curating.
Joyce Baronio’s stunning nude plays upon the image of woman as primordial being: the initiator and sustainer of life. Lying in the water among the rocks, the female figure symbolizes purity and sexuality simultaneously.
Graciela Iturbide’s image of a woman striding through the mountains while carrying a radio is another well-known photo (and another personal favorite). The figure is positioned walking left to right, often indicating a positive and potent direction. The juxtaposition of the woman’s primitive attire with the radio is also meaningful: woman as carrier of civilization, or at least technology.
The female as nature is represented especially by Flor Garduno’s photographs: flowers become primary examples of life’s vegetative aspects. The sexual aspects of the imagery, represented by similar shapes (the woman’s breasts and the round flowers) are striking.
Such symbols recall Ms. Baronio’s nude, which combines innocence and sexuality.
The exhibit “Women by Women” will be on view until April 18. Call 631-725-3100 for hours.
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