Upcoming events explore portraiture and the culture of fame

The Institute for Contemporary Culture (ICC) at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) continues The Question of Celebrity, a series of events and programs inspired by the exhibition Vanity Fair Portraits: Photographs 1913-2008, presented by the Bay, on display in the Roloff Beny Gallery on Level 4 of the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal until January 3, 2010. The series has included the sold-out event An Evening with Meryl Streep, which saw the Academy Award-winning actress engage in an on-stage conversation at the ROM with The Globe and Mail’s Johanna Schneller to discuss aspects of her career. Last month the fourth annual Eva Holtby Lecture featured the theme of celebrity as renowned author and editor of Lapham’s Quarterly, Mr. Lewis Lapham, presented his unique ideas on fame in modern society to a packed audience in the ROM’s Signy and Cléophée Eaton Theatre.

The Question of Celebrity

Facing the Lens, Seeing the Light: Observations on Portrait Photography Monday, November 9 at 7 pm, Signy and Cléophée Eaton Theatre Co-presented by the ICC and the Art Gallery of Ontario Free admission

This illustrated panel discussion will explore the photographic portrait, its significance through the history of photography and its enduring fascination. Panellists include photography historian Lilly Koltun, photographer Nigel Dickson and gallery owner Jane Corkin. Moderated by Francsico Alvarez, ICC Managing Director, and Sophie Hackett, AGO Assistant Curator of Photography.

Sony Family Portrait Weekend Saturday, November 14 and Sunday, 15, 11 am – 4 pm, Level 1 Free with ROM admission

Get ready to strike a pose! For one exciting weekend, professional photographers from SONY will be at the ROM for a range of fun family activities. Presented in cooperation with Sony of Canada Ltd., children and their parents will hone their photography skills using a SONY Digital SLR camera to take great portraits.

Film Series All screenings in Signy and Cléophée Eaton Theatre, Level 1B. Single films: $10/ROM Members: $8/Friends of the ICC: $6. Both films on the same night: $15/$12/$10.

Annie Leibovitz: Life Through a Lens (2006) Monday, November 23 at 7 pm Annie Leibovitz, chief photographer for Vanity Fair magazine, has produced some of the most iconic images of the last 30 years. Director Barbara Leibovitz reveals her sister’s artistic process and personal journey. (82 minutes)

Valentino: The Last Emperor (2008) Monday, November 23 at 9 pm Director Matt Tyrnauer takes an intimate look at the world of high fashion through the relationship of designer Valentino and his longtime business partner, Giancarlo Giammetti. (96 minutes)

Grey Gardens (1975) Monday, December 14 at 7 pm Albert and David Maysles’ classic documentary depicts the lives of the two Edith Beales, a reclusive socialite mother and daughter who lived at Grey Gardens, a decrepit mansion in East Hampton, NY. (100 minutes)

Celebrity (1998) Monday, December 14 at 9pm Director Woody Allen weaves a comedic tale exploring people who will do anything to get famous or stay famous. Starring Kenneth Branagh, Winona Ryder, Leonardo DiCaprio and Melanie Griffith. (113 minutes

About Vanity Fair Portraits: Photographs 1913-2008: The exhibition, which garnered record-breaking attendance in its recent European and Australian engagements, showcases over 140 portraits, including classic images from Vanity Fair’s early period and photographs featured in the magazine since its 1983 relaunch. A collaboration between Vanity Fair and the National Portrait Gallery, London, the exhibition is curated by Terence Pepper, Curator of Photographs at the National Portrait Gallery, and David Friend, Vanity Fair’s Editor of Creative Development. The ROM is the only Canadian venue to display Vanity Fair Portraits, and this is its first showing in eastern North America.

This is the first major exhibition to bring together Vanity Fair’s historic archive of rare vintage prints with its contemporary photographs. It was mounted to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the modern-era magazine and the 95th anniversary in 2008 of the original magazine’s founding, and brings together a collection of captivating images of cultural icons from Louis Armstrong, Albert Einstein, Jean Harlow and Katharine Hepburn to Madonna, Matt Damon, Demi Moore, President and Mrs. Reagan, Lord Conrad Black and Barbara Amiel.

Written by :

Kindah

 

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