Between 1966 and 1979, Martin Koenig ventured into Bulgaria to capture in black-and-white photographs the fast-disappearing traditional rural life of that country. When we look at the subjects of Koenig’s outdoor individual and group portraits, we feel transported back at least a century; there is not a hint of industrial technology, but for two stray bicycles in the corner of one of the prints, and, but for a couple of exceptions, the people have not learned to smile for the camera. That is not to say that Koenig’s Bulgarians are dour; they simply display the rural stoicism laced with contentment or displeasure that is the way of the world until industrial urbanization and consumer culture come into play. (Michael Weinstein)
Through September 28 at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington (312)744-6630.
Fleeing Desperation: A Review of Ada Trillo at Chicago Center for Photojournalism In this heartbreaking yet visually beautiful exhibition, Ada Trillo implicates herself within her subjects to shine a light on both the hope and the hopelessness of their lives. If you are not moved by these images, surely your heart is made of stone.
The Roots of Pride: A Review of Jerry Pritikin at The Chicago Center for Photojournalism The show “When Then Was Now” gives a glimpse of early LGBTQ+ life in San Francisco—Harvey Milk became mayor and gay activism was gaining momentum. Pritikin, a legend of reportage, takes us back to a time before AIDS reared its ugly head and shows us how the movement looked all those decades ago.
Home Is Where the Family Is: A Review of Chicago Chiquito at Bridgeport Art Center This small but significant exhibition shows the history of Chicago Chiquito, or little Chicago, the nickname given to La Hacienda, a small town in the state of Guanajuato, Mexico. Its families have migrated north to find work for over one hundred years.
