International Center of Photography (A.K.A Insane Clown Posse)

I really enjoyed the concept of Zoe Strauss’s exhibit. I agree that there is so much beauty that surrounds us on a daily basis, yet we ignore such things and consider them boring or grotesque. Her pictures showcase the poverty and dysfunctional culture of Southern Philadelphia and the sketchy areas of New Jersey. Each picture was grotesque and at some points downright depressing, but there was a lot of beauty within. From prostitutes to Vietnam veterans, almost every subject had a smile on their face, or looked as if they were excited about something. This proves that money and fortune do not equate to happiness. These people, with almost nothing in their lives, still find the will to laugh, smile and joke around with their counterparts. Within this concept is the true meaning of Strauss’s exhibit; The setting you live in should not dictate your emotional standings and love for others. It is the small things in life that are important and tend to be the most beautiful; the crooked, sarcastic smile of a prostitute, the embrace between two veterans, one without an arm, in their sketchy hotel room.

My favorite, out of all the pieces, was the Chanel naval ring from Ocean City, New Jersey, 2009. It brings to light the disgusting and horrid reality of what our society usually refers to as sexy. You can see the naval is beginning to infect, and a liquid is starting to seep from the top. But, what really caught my eye about this piece was if you look closely into the silver ball at the top of the ring, you can see the reflection of the camerawoman, as well as her counterpart.