A dual, Cuba, Rome exhibist featuring silver gelatin prints of Rome in the 1970s and more recent digital photography of Cuba is on display at the Rhode Island Center for Photographic Arts through June 15.
The gallery, located on the second floor at 118 N. Main Street in Providence, is open each week on Thursdays and Fridays from 1-4pm, and Saturdays from 1-6pm.
The current exhibits, “Rome: 1970’s,” by Stephan Brigidi, and “Cuba: Beyond the Romance,” will be followed by a Members Show opening June 21. The Members Show will highlight the work of RI PhotoArts’ diverse community, from expert professional photographers to advanced amateurs and college students. All current RI PhotoArts members are welcome to submit photographs for the upcoming show.
Rome, Cuba exhibits on display through June 15th; Members Show opens June 21st.
On May 17, at the opening reception for the Cuba and Rome shows, David DeMelim, managing director of the RI Center for Photographic Arts, spoke with a crowd of Gallery Night Providence visitors about the urban landscape and living conditions in Cuba that are depicted in his work. “It’s a land of contradictions,” he said, of the often-squalid living conditions that are the reality of everyday life on the island. All proceeds from sales of DeMelim’s Cuba photographs will go to support the Photo Center that offers workshops, lectures and a supportive community for individuals interested in the photographic arts.
Brigidi also spoke at the opening reception to visitors examining his black and white limited-edition prints. The prints are just a small sample of Brigidi’s work on the subject that will be included in his forthcoming book by the same name, Rome: 1970’s. His photos captured a young Jewish woman wearing only a silver chain and Star of David necklace; a couple speeding past on a Vespa; and scenes of family life in the country decades ago.
One-Night Student Pop-Up Exhibit
A one-night student pop-up show preceded the Rome & Cuba openings on Tuesday, May 15. Students majoring in photography at Bridgewater State University in Massachusetts hung and displayed their senior thesis work in an exhibit titled, “Ephemeral,” a reference to the short duration of the show.
“My works pays homage to Africa, Haiti, and my family,” said Valerie Anselme, a 2018 graduate of Bridgewater State. “These are portraits of my family reimagined as Haitian royalty in a Haitian kingdom.”
Before capturing each family members’ portrait, Anselme carefully designed their costumes in exacting detail, such as sewing gold tassels onto a navy blazer bought at a thrift store to provide the appearance of military lapels on her father’s jacket. After the student show closed at 9 pm on May 15th, the gallery walls were quickly turned over to prepare for the next opening, less than 48 hours later.
For information about the upcoming Members Show or the learn more about the benefits of RI PhotoArts membership, such as workshop discounts and access to members-only events, please visit the Membership Information page or email gallery@riphotocenter.org.
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