Results tagged “edwardsteichen”

There are two ways of approaching "Edward Steichen: In High Fashion, the Condé Nast Years 1923–1937," the new exhibition opening at the AGO today: as a photography show displaying the work of a recognized hero in the field and as a fascinating bit of cultural anthropology. What we have in the first case is a master class in some of the foundational elements of photography, most especially composition and light. What we have in the second is a glimpse into the world that Steichen photographed and the cultural sensibilities that were prominent at the time.

We can’t seem to get enough of looking at people, and famous faces are a whole other matter. Whether it’s subconsciously analyzing bone structure to gauge attractiveness, or searching for the unspoken in an subtle expression, we are captivated by images of each other, with celebrities the ultimate draw. The ROM is banking on this in their new exhibition, “Vanity Fair Portraits: Photographs 1913-2008.” Showcasing 150 photos from the magazine’s archives, it celebrates the act of looking at people, and of looking like you’re famous. The show is half of a joint venture with the AGO, who are presenting the work of Edward Steichen during the fifteen years that he was the principal photographer at Vanity Fair. Steichen forms the link between the two shows, with his work appearing in both.

WORDS: Pore over print of all genres at the twentieth annual The Word On The Street festival. In addition to the marketplace of books and magazines, this national celebration of literacy and the written word will feature tents and stages of readings, spoken-word performances, poetry slams, cooking demonstrations, publishing seminars, financial advice, musical performances, and children’s activities. Margaret Atwood will be in attendance to read from her latest novel, The Year of the Flood. To throw out a few more names, Elizabeth May, Dionne Brand, Camilla Gibb, Nino Ricci, and Jane Urquhart will also be participating in readings and panel discussions. Queen’s Park (780 University Avenue), Sunday 11 a.m.–6 p.m., FREE.