Otherness & Beauty: Discussing Themes Within the Work of Joel-Peter Witkin

RSVP to the panel discussion here

Panel: Riva Lehrer (painter, disability activist and writer), Mark B. Pohlad, Ph.D. (Associate Professor, Department of History of Art and Architecture, DePaul University) and Deb DelSignore (art therapist)

Catherine Edelman Gallery is hosting a panel discussion that will explore different aspects of Joel-Peter Witkin’s work in conjunction with his exhibition, From the Studio. Witkin is world renown for his photographs of people considered “other”, including those born with physical abnormalities, and those that are intersex and transexual. By placing his subjects into art referential tableaus often laced with Catholic overtones, the artist highlights the beauty of those that have been marginalized by society. The discussion will also address Witkin’s recent diagnosis of dementia, and how this condition effects the process of art-making. The panel will include art therapist Deb DelSignore, whose practice and research is on the forefront of dementia, and local artist, disability activist, and writer Riva Lehrer. Associate Professor Mark B. Pohlad, Ph.D. will also be joining the discussion. Together, the panelists will offer diverse perspectives on the complex issues raised by Joel-Peter Witkin’s photographs.