Fashion, Photography & History

If you love fashion like I do then chances are, you’ve heard of Richard Avedon.

Avedon made his name in fashion photography but appearantly there were many faces to this world renowned photographer one of which, is on display now at the National Museum of American Jewish History right here in Philadelphia.
The exhibit called “Richard Avedon: Family Affairs” stems mainly from his work covering the 1976 presidential election for Rolling Stone magazine.

Portrait subjects include candidates Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford, as well as activists Cesar Chavez and Ralph Nader.  Poet Allen Ginsberg’s family is featured on a wall-size display…

“Family Affairs” is based on an exhibition held last year at The Israel Museum in Jerusalem and the Philadelphia museum is the only U.S. venue for the images, which are on view through August 2.

I have to admit, I didn’t do the research and was a bit disappointed to find that the exhibit was limited to just the political portraits and not what Avedon is really known for…

But it got me to the museum, something I’ve been wanting to do since it opened in 2010.

Richard Avedon was an American fashion and portrait photographer whose “fashion and portrait photographs helped define America’s image of style, beauty and culture for the last half-century.”  I wouldn’t go out of your way just to see the exhibit but, it is a great draw to check out the rest of the museum.

Although I’ve heard mixed reviews, I thought that it was a beautiful and moving journey of the Jewish people throughout history told via interactive and innovative multi-sensory exhibits…

Having had immigrated with my family in 1980, I particularly enjoyed learning more about the Soviet immigrat experience…

And seeing the synagogue where we got married, Rodelph Shalom and its significance as the first Ashkenazi synagogue in America!

Not to mention, an opportunity to full around and play dress-up in one of the hands-on exhibit rooms like this Purim room…

The experience left me a bit more fulfilled and a lot more grateful.  Mostly grateful for the sacrifices that my parents made in bringing me to this great country at the age of 9 and allowing me to live out the American dream…thanks mama and papa!
So my friends I ask you, when was the last time you took the time to free your mind, escape the daily grind and feed your soul?  I know I don’t do it nearly as often as I should and so glad that I did.  With so many amazing things to explore right here in my own backyard, why leave the touring to the tourists?

Now go, get out there and explore! Never know what you’ll find but it’s awesome playing tourist in your own city especially, if your city is as rich in history and tradition as Philadelphia!

Alya