2011 REVIEW WRITING CONTEST WINNERS

At the 2011 SIPA Convention, students got the opportunity to go to the Columbia Museum of Art to attend a special exhibit, Who Shot Rock & Roll: A Photographic History, 1955 to present.

Below are the winning reviews. For more information on the exhibit, you can go to the exhibit's website.

Best Review: Who Shot Rock & Roll

Past the garish pink entrance of the Columbia Museum of Art’s newest exhibit lies a cornucopia of photographic bliss.  Open from Feb. 25 - May 22, this exposition features hundreds of photos portraying musicians in various venues and habitats, capturing the emotions and culture of multiple generations. 

Starting with Alfred Westheimer’s shots of Elvis in the 1950s, the exhibit travels through a complete history of music photography in America and beyond.  From pensive shots of Buddy Holly on a city bus late at night, to big glaring photos of Amy Winehouse relaxing in her bed, the selection of pictures is both wholesome and impeccable.  The photos are framed in neat clean wood, and for the most part there is no decoration to distract from the art.

A bit of philosophical thoughts, this exhibit adds a new dimension to these musicians.  When admiring, say, a photo of David Bowie crooning to a crowd, one also takes into account the skill needed by the photographer to capture the paths of the musician, and the bond between the two.  In this way, the gallery is eye opening.

Of the exhibits four sections, a personal favorite was the portraits gallery.  To quote a photographer featured in the museum (Richard Aveden): “A portrait is not a likeness.”  The words ring true; the profiles of various artists (including, strangely, rappers like Tupac and LL Cool J) exclude musical passion and transform the musicians involved into characterized deities.  It’s the most colorful and approachable part of the gallery.

 To conclude, “Who Shot Rock and Roll” is a thought-provoking exhibit that will be enjoyed much more by people with background knowledge of rock and roll history.  The musical novice can still find enjoyment in the photos, but when one knows the music and history behind the artists, the experience is complete.  However, between the enormous holographic photos of Jimi Hendrix and the tender, inspiring shots of John Lennon and Yoko Ono in bed, the exhibit will at the very least be a visual delight for any attendee.  A word of advice: take a tour with a docent if you’re not well-versed (pun intended) in the history.

Admission: $10 ($5 student) 

Jake Bittle, Steinbrenner HS (Lutz, Fla.)

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HONORABLE MENTION

Who Shot Rock and Roll: A Photographic History 1955 to present is currently on exhibit at the Columbia Museum of Art until May 22, 2011.  The exhibit was originally organized by the Brooklyn Museum of Art and has since been on display at art museums nations-wide.  A tour of the exhibit can last anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes and is lead by passionate guides who clearly understand the history and culture of rock and roll.  One aspect of this exhibit which differs it from others is the wide variety of both subject matter and photographic technique.

The exhibit begins with multiple photographs of the king of rock and roll himself, Elvis Pressley.  Although all the photos were taken and printed in black and white, the sensuality and intimacy are made evident through Alfred Wertheimer’s excellent use of lighting and shadows.  A video of Elvis singing is shown on a television and greatly enhances the feel of the photographs by bringing their subject matter to life.  After the beginning of the exhibit, it transition to a section titled, “Behind the Scenes.”  The photographs displayed here are representative of the trust that once existed between artist and photographer.  Recognizable shots including “John and Yoko in Bed,” as well as a Polaroid of Courtney Love tie the exhibit in with modern times.  However, an excellent collage of photographs of the Beatles in black and white is still enjoyable, especially to those with an appreciation for fine composition.  The real feel for that musicians photographed, stems from photographs of performances and the audience.  The raw emotions of the audience were captured expertly and are now displayed in a way, which makes one long for another Michael Jackson concert.

The powerful emotions which run through musicians’ minds are captured brilliantly by excellent photographers and with admission at $10 or less every day, “Who Shot Rock and Roll,” is a definite must-see for rock and roll enthusiasts.  However, you may wish to leave children at home due to the few photographs of partially or completely nude subjects.

Katie Brandon, Stafford HS (Stafford, Va.)

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Best Review
Jake Bittle
Steinbrenner HS (Lutz, Fla.)

Honorable Mention
Katie Brandon
Stafford HS (Stafford, Va.)