Reviewing The Arts

Gallery: The River North Galleries; Stephen Daiter Gallery

To judge from the many other photo galleries of The River North district, the Stephen Daiter Gallery was the most eye-catching because of the Paul D’Amato photography. D’Amato section was entitled “We Shall.” His photography captured the pulse of urban Chicago’s social spectacle. D’Amato is drawn to Chicago’s nitty-gritty parts, particularly the west side of the city, where African Americans reside. His photos were emotive and presented hidden messages within them. These portraits were taken from a close but not intimate distance. Most of them featured the direct daunting gaze of the subjects who seem okay with being photographed. The imagery displays political messages such as poverty and/or homelessness. The emotions go as far as to show a sense of struggle and hopelessness. Not all the messages are negative though; some show a small sign of optimism, strength, and faith as well.

Paul D’Amato was born in Boston, and currently lives and teaches in Chicago where he has been photographing for decades. The John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation awarded him a Fellowship in 1994 and a Subvention Grant in 2004. The Illinois Arts Council recognized his work with Grants in 1989 and 2005.

Once piece in particular stood out among the rest entitled “Girl With Laundry.” This piece shows a young girl that looks to be on her own or perhaps homeless. The details of the photograph are raw and uncut. There is no photo retouching or anything to make her look better. This adds a sense of realness to the photo. The girl’s hair is uncombed and her skin is very dry. The expression on her face is melancholy as she gazes directly at the camera with an intimidating stare. One may notice that she keeps a tight hold on the laundry bag as if someone were going to try to steal it from her. She also could be holding it tightly because it may be all the clothes that she owns. The color that she is wearing is a warm bright red that coincides well with her deep chocolate skin tone. The background is kind of blurry but the girl is very clear. This makes her pop, emphasizing her as the focal point of the portrait. She is also centered in the composition balancing it, especially with a building on each side. D’Amato’s aim is to create imagery that refers beyond visual specifics to larger truths about the dynamics of the neighborhood and he does that quite well.

posted by Sara Hunt @ 8:51 AM