Last week the Museum
of Photographic Arts held its Annual Auction in Balboa Park. This combination live
and silent auction comprised photos collected over the past year by the
Collectors’ Salon and Photo Forum members who through traveling the world, located the beautiful photographs and limited
edition publications. The partnership with
Sotheby’s helped generate a successful auction. The live auction featured photographers Flor Gardufio, Bill Armstrong, Josef
Fischnaller, Tamas Dezso, Yao Lu, Ysabel LeMay, Kevin Cooley, Henry Diltz, Yoko
Ono, Doug and Mike Starn, and Hendrik
Kerstens. The silent auction represented the work of sixty-eight
photographers. Both
auctions are expected to help fund three major learning programs at the museum
for children, teens and seniors. Through the Exposure school programs, MOPA
teaches underserved youth throughout San Diego how to view photos, how to make
their own images and to share their views with others. MOPA’s Teen Voices
Collaborative promotes real world problem solving skills by involving them in
the museum and encouraging their viewership and participation. Through Seniors Exploring Photography,
Identity and Appreciation, the program seeks to build confidence with digital photography and 25% of
the program is designed for people with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. These highly valuable programs highlight MOPA’s
important connections to the San Diego community.
Alongside the professional photography auctions is an
ongoing accompanying exhibition Self Reflection, the 10th
Annual Youth Exhibition, which runs through January 24th. This juried exhibition curated by the museum
includes the work of children of all ages in San Diego County and Tijuana. The theme of self reflection asked for self
portraiture, asking students to turn the camera back on themselves. The result
is a remarkable display of 121 talented K-12 personalities, and their struggles
and perspectives. Kids as young as five
to eighteen year olds participate with works that represent a very young
generation of people who have a
tremendous comfort level with the medium of photography – all due to the
ubiquitous nature of camera phones. There is a certain freedom, authenticity,
and uncensored emotion in the overall feel of this show. These children are laying their hearts and
feelings on the line in a way that most adults don’t have the courage to do.
The result is a powerful mix of images that can take your breath away. The work of these young amateur photographers
are worth a visit to MOPA. The student artist opening reception is Friday, November 6, 7:00 – 9:00 pm. This reception is free to current members with a valid card and each member can bring
one guest.
 |
| Jennifer Alejandra Perez Romero |
 |
| Amatur-Rahim Khadijah |
 |
| Naves_Xcaret |
 |
| Olivia Reynolds |
 |
| Aiden Taylor |
 |
| Angel Magana |
No comments:
Post a Comment