#sfmoma

I had an appointment in San Francisco yesterday, so I revisited SFMOMA to see the Graciela Iturbide exhibition once again! This time Barb came along so she could see it too.

I'll only post a single image from the show this time. This was one of our favorites.

We discussed the exhibit over a tasty lunch on the museum's 5th floor terrace… Barb talked about magical realism and how there seems to be a very thin divide between life and death in Mexican life and culture. I saw symbols and expressions in these photos that were both threatening and benign at the same time. Many of the photos were printed dark (in a way I like) but they were balanced by some elements of light and hope.

It was interesting to see it all again, and to get some new perspectives from Barb. It was a new and different experience the second time.

1850s Egypt - by Francis Frith

We also looked at some remarkable photos from 1850s made by Egyptian archaeologists and explorers. These were albumen prints made from large plates showing incredible texture and detail. I was amazed by their fidelity and quality for such early photographs. I also loved the warm golden brown tones which remind the viewer of their age and the desert heat.

The first image reminds me of the bonus poster that came with my Pink Floyd, Dark Side of the Moon album. It seems so peaceful and timeless, though it's got to be uncomfortable sitting on those hot rocks.

Look at the size of that broken head... it is absolutely monumental and has fallen flat on its face! While you're looking over there, notice the dapper gent with the cane and pith helmet, what a poser!

March 26, 2023