Picturing New York

The Irish Museum of Modern Art in Dublin’s Royal Hospital Kilmainham is hosting an exciting exhibition from New York’s MoMA this winter. The photography exhibition, Picturing New York, is made up of 145 pieces from the photographic collection of the Museum of Modern Art, New York. All of the photos are of New York (naturally!) and date from 1880s to the present day.

Helen Levitt, New York, 1982. The Museum of Modern Art, New York.

The exhibition is intended to explore the city as well as it’s inhabitants and architecture, revealing a city of contrasts and extremes.

I think anyone who has ever been to New York has been struck with the awesomeness and beauty of a place that is like no other and been grabbed by the urge to capture the whole thing on film for memories sake. I have a feeling that these photographs (which I have yet to see) will be beautiful to look at as well as a peek into history and yet another reason to want to go back.

The Museum of Modern Art, New York.

According to the IMMA website:

Picturing New York demonstrates the symbiosis between the city’s progression from past to present and the evolution of photography as a medium and as an art form. Additionally, these photographs of New York contribute significantly to the notion that the photograph, as a work of art, is capable of constructing a sense of place and a sense of self.

The exhibition is running until 7 February 2010 so plenty of time to go see it still. The IMMA is open 6 days a week, closed on Mondays. You can see the opening hours, including Christmas hours, here.

It is also possible to purchase a programme with 150 black and white prints from the exhibition for €40 here. Members of IMMA will receive a discount.