Despite all the technical know-how that goes into producing this work, there is something distinctly painterly about Portlock’s approach to image-making. and his futuristic landscapes owe a great deal to the golden age of American landscape painting in the nineteenth century. What separates Portlock’s work from the Hudson River School’s optimism is the artist’s pragmatic engagement with the difficult issues facing many American cities in the 21st century, such as the growing socioeconomic divide between rich and poor, the housing crisis, and environmental degradation. He presents a vision of Philadelphia that is terrifyingly realistic, for depending on where you live, litter-filled streets and boarded-up buildings are all too familiar. As a new resident, I still see the scars of poverty and gentrification that crisscross the city, but exposure and familiarity can blunt the impact of painful reality. Bringing together historical references, contemporary issues, and digital technology, he helps us to see our city with new eyes.
Read MoreJennifer Zarro talks with photographer Shawn Theodore, alias _xST, about his work–including why he shoots in large-format and how people react to his photos.
Read MoreLevitt’s work typifies the inner world of a person utterly and easily delighted with life—the lives of others, of objects, of despondent and celebratory moments. Her photographs portray a sensitive and honest world unclouded by the politics or social mores of her time.
Read MoreThe nature of Devil’s Pool is truly gorgeous, but what Kaufman’s eye dwells most lovingly on is the people, especially their gestures, the body language of those standing on the rocks, flying through the air, or hanging around in the water. She’s also good with faces.
Read MoreFor the museum, this exhibit of Indian contemporary photography is a great complement to the PMA’s commitment to Indian art. For Philadelphians, the show is a great introduction to work that has not been widely exhibited here before.
Read MoreI want more of this unself-conscious immersion in the moment from Nam rather than the cool and distanced views she mostly shows here.
Read MoreThis beautifully produced and spectacularly illustrated book offers a six-continent tour of twenty-
five sculpture parks; readers are unlikely to know of most of the collections, which can be visited only with considerable planning, if at all. Three are exclusively private, one is open on a single day every year, and another is best viewed from a hotair balloon.