The Forever Meaningful Work of Dorothea Lange

The first time I saw Dorothea Lange's work in person was at an exhibition at the New York City Public Library. I immediately fell in love with the honesty seeping through Dorothea's lens and reaching right into my heart, unfolding strong emotions, opening a dialogue with someone who suddenly felt like an old friend.

Dorothea Lange was not afraid of people. She loved people, immersing herself into their reality with ease, capturing raw truth, and suffering in situations that seem impossible to bear. How was she able to achieve these images that speak of acceptance of her presence, a complete stranger, yet the reality of the subjects remains uninhibited, unaltered?

Dorothea was not a stranger to pain and suffering. Since childhood, she learned to cope with a semi-paralyzed leg and a limp due to polio, and the abandonment of her father. Later in life, cancer did not stop her; she continued her travels and photo documentary work. Even near the end of her life, she gathered the last of her energy to bring to life her retrospective work and legacy. Dorothea's life and the life of those she immortalized through her portraits, reminds us today that despite the impossible difficulties we may be facing, we can choose to keep going, and as she did, make peace and conquer our own challenges.

"[Polio] formed me, instructed me, humiliated me"

Young Dorothea felt the pull in the streets of New York to merge with people and activities. At that time she did not have a camera. Life circumstances led her to San Francisco where she was very successful as an elite portrait photographer. The combination of a drifting-away husband and the slam of the Great Depression affecting her business, made her re-evaluate her purpose. It was then when she connected back to her passion of being among street people, documenting life and diversity. People in poverty, migrant workers, the racially oppressed, the hungry, the abused, the unemployed.

The portrait above is of Florence Thompson who became an icon image of the Great Depression. Reflecting on her work, Dorothea found these words coming to mind, describing what she has been witnessing:

"The deprived and the dislocated.
And then the word came to me:
Rootless."

Dorothea teaches us to be true to ourselves and our passion no matter the difficulties. She knew she wanted to make money but did not know how this would work out. At that time it seemed what she liked to do was not going to be a source of income. However, once she took the step, it unraveled into her new sustainable life. Her work began as a documentary photographer and photojournalist for the FSA, Farm Security Administration during the Depression-era. Thanks to Dorothea we are able to look into the past, find a connection, and look at the present through a wider perspective.

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View with me this current exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art, MoMA, NYC. Dorothea Lange: Words and Pictures on view until September 19, 2020.

Learn more about Dorothea Lange 1895-1965.

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Masterpiece: Luncheon of the Boating Party

It is interesting how different I feel when looking at this painting now, during the pandemic. The close proximity of the guests sharing food and drink, unaware, carefree of any potential danger of catching a deadly virus. It seems this truly was a long time ago.

I first saw "Luncheon of the boating party" by Renoir in art history books and then I was thrilled to see it in person at The Phillips Collection, in D.C. The scene drew me in with a gulp and I was there, almost hearing the chatter, sensing the warm atmosphere, the trees, the water, on a sunny afternoon.

The scene takes place in a restaurant named "La Maison Fournaise" by the river Seine in Paris. Beyond the intricate composition, what I appreciate and love the most about this painting is the overall impression of rhythmical conversations taking place in several pockets within the painting. These somewhat isolated mini-scenes are brought together as a whole, intertwined by the gazes from across the room.

"The painting also reflects the changing character of French society in the mid- to late 19th century. The restaurant welcomed customers of many classes, including businessmen, society women, artists, actresses, writers, critics, seamstresses, and shop girls. This diverse group embodied a new, modern Parisian society."

The Phillips Collection

Renoir could have never imagined the normal activity he brilliantly portrayed, would be a scarce and very different reality today.

For this memory, I thank you, Renoir. Merci Beaucoup!

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Learn more about Renoir's "The Luncheon of the Boating Party" at The Phillips Collection site.

Online Exhibition "Women on Stamps"

I came across this rare collection: Women on Stamps by the Smithsonian National Postal Museum. Part 3, features women in the arts and literature. Take a look and enjoy!

Women on Stamps Part 1
"This virtual exhibit is the first in a series of four focusing on the accomplishments of women featured on stamps. In "Women on Stamps Part 1", we acknowledge the efforts of pioneering women and early government leaders who entered previously unexplored territories - from the frontier to the Senate floor. In each place they left behind an indelible mark."

Women on Stamps Part 2
"Many of the women depicted on United States postage stamps have made significant contributions to their chosen professions. In "Women on Stamps: Part 2", we feature women who pioneered in the fields of health, science, education, philanthropy, aviation and athletics. This is the second virtual exhibit in a series of four."

Women on Stamps Part 3
"In the Women on Stamps virtual exhibit series, we explore the women on postage stamps and the contributions they have made to America. In "Women on Stamps: Part 3" we focus on women who have made significant contributions to the arts and literature."

Women on Stamps Part 4
The four-part virtual exhibit series, "Women on Stamps", highlights prominent women that have been featured on United States postage stamps. In "Women on Stamps: Part 4" we focus on women who have made significant contributions to the performing arts.

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