PowerShammy™

(or bridging the Minneagrapher - Chicagrapher connection) I first met Paul Shambroom while a lowly graduate student here in Chicago. Paul was having an exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Photography along with some unknown kid named Alec who always wore hats. Paul gave me great advice on my early pictures of shoppers and we stayed in touch over visits to Minni, NY or Chicago.Paul's pictures of democracy in action, nuclear arsenals and office spaces-like-an-archeaological-dig were not only an example of what photography can become but also that it can be an function as art and social critique. His latest work continues his investigation of power and power structures in security training facilties across the US and opens tonight here in Chicago. Paul Shambroom: Security Opens: Friday, Oct. 26, 2007, 5-8 PM. Kavi Gupta Gallery, Chicago Show runs until Nov. 24

Cara Phillips

Every once in a while I'm reminded that simple ideas can be done real well. Cara Phillips photographs expand on work by Catherine Wagner, Walker Evans and Lucinda Devlin while addressing themes of beauty and our post-modern malleable self.

More Bewersdorf

For Cosby;

Kevin Bewersdorf

Every once in awhile I stumble across an artist, musician, article etc that completely changes my perspective on the world and certainly my own work. I'm currently in Seattle, exploring and photographing in a weird world of Twin Peaks-ness, thrift stores and not-quite-settling into 2 hours behind my 'normal' time zone. As a result this morning my early rise led me to check online the usual gamut of blogs etc. I must confess I heart 'I heart photographs'. Laurel Ptak's wonderful vision of photography more often than any other blog in my opinion points to an odd, funny and excitingly new future for the medium. I cannot thank Laurel enough for linking to work of Kevin Bewersdorf. Kevin's work manages to somehow combine elements of Robert Adams and Ferris Bueller with the best use of a zoom lens I've ever seen. His pictures have pulled the proverbial rug out from me as to what's possible in photography. Take a look, spend some time... I haven't even gotten to the music section woah.

Kelli / Zoe in NYC

Kelli Connell, The Conversation I wish I could make it to see Kelli Connell's show at the Yossi Milo Gallery in NYC. The NY Times gave Kelli a nice write up yesterday. I'm happy to say i'll be seeing Kelli a whole lot more this fall (in my zip code!) as she becomes a Chicagrapher herself. I may actually make it to see Zoe Strauss' show at the Silverstein Gallery (also her first solo show). Goodness, good stuff. See for yourself.

Burning Beer Coasters

After a super funtastic (and blurry in the Uta Barth kinda way) weekend hosting visiting artists for the Versionfest show and Art Fairs, Jon, Matt and I are in Toronto blurring it up again for the annual Contact Photo Festival. We're having tons of fun meeting many good Torontographers and Montreographers. Tell us where to get a good hot dog and free wireless. More later.