Contortion Distortion Exhibition - Laurence Miller Gallery

Laurence Miller Gallery Exhibition March 8 - April 26, 2003

ContortionDistortion

The camera is a unique tool in that it enables the photographer to produce images that look distorted in several ways. Capturing a subject that is in reality distorted is one means; another is manipulating the camera by tilting or moving it; a third is using the darkroom to change the captured imagery. Likewise, humans can become distorted by turning or twisting or changing in an infinite number of ways. In other words, contortion can produce distortion. A lively group exhibition at the Laurence Miller Gallery, featuring work by Diane Arbus, Robert Frank, Les Krims, Helen Levitt, Eadweard Muybridge, Jerry Uelsmann and others, explores the nature of distortion and contortion in its many and varied guises.

Approximately 15 photographs spanning a period of 100 years will be on view. Among the highlights will be a 1980 color photograph by Helen Levitt, one that she calls “spider girl,” of a young girl bending over a curb and under a car so that she looks like all her limbs are protruding from her head; a rare Eadweard Muybridge collotype from 1887 of a contortionist on gymnastic rings; a Movietone News photo of a Frenchman weeping as French flags leave just ahead of the Germans from 1940; and a 1971 photograph by Les Krims of a reclining nude with mushrooms growing over her legs.

A Selection of 8 images from the exhibition (click image for detail view)