Lowell in black-and-white at ALL
The life of a city consists of millions of moments — light glancing off a window, the press of pedestrians crossing a street, pigeons on a bench. The scenes constantly shift with the movement of light and people as a street photographer walks about, watching, evaluating, waiting — until “click” — the shutter snaps, and a moment is captured forever.
Stephen Malagodi prowls the streets of Lowell with his Leica M6 camera, seeking such moments. Arts League of Lowell presents more than 25 of his striking photos in “A City, To Live In,” on view March 31-April 25 in ALL’s Greenwald Gallery, 307 Market St.
Working in film, as Malagodi does, demands careful composition and attention to exposure because what is caught in the 35mm frame is what you get. There’s no cropping or Photoshop magic in Malagodi’s images. Instead, he works in his Western Avenue Studios studio, unspooling the film, immersing it in a chemical bath and coaxing the images to life. The negatives are then printed, transforming light waves into tarnished silver to form a black-andwhite image that preserves a moment.
Malagodi, a resident of downtown Lowell, finds a lot of images to photograph as he wanders. A photographer since 1980, he admires the work of such masters as Atget, Adams, Bourke-White and Parks, among others. All worked in black-and-white and are “worthy of emulation.”
Since he doesn’t do staged or indoor studio work, he finds inspiration in the streets, forests, rivers or subways, using his camera to expose hidden corners, odd perspectives and downtown habitues.
“I am not concerned with a ‘ scene,’ but rather how shapes and shadows materialize as a photo,” he says.
Images in “A City, To Live In,” carefully curated from hundreds he has taken, present a visual symphony of life in the city. Viewers are invited to look carefully and discover familiar scenes, and some surprises.
A small reception takes place Saturday, April 10, from 5 to 7 p.m. Entry will be limited to ensure safety. Masks are required. The gallery is open Wednesday through Sunday, from 1 to 4 p.m. Visit www.artsleagueoflowell.org.
Gallery notes
: BREWING IN BOSTON: The Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, a floating museum on the Boston waterfront dedicated to accurately showcasing an important Revolutionary event, introduces a new virtual monthly program called “Tea Talks.” The lively hourlong talks will focus on the myths, truths and untold stories of the Boston Tea Party. Upcoming talks include “The Myths of the Boston Tea Party,” April 28; “John Singleton Copley and the Boston Tea Party,” May 26; “The Consignees & Loyalist Perspective,” Oct. 27; “Phillis Wheatley and the Dartmouth,” Nov. 17; and “The Boston Tea Party Story,” Dec. 8. The “Tea Talks” run from 7-8 p.m., and cost $15. To register, visit w w w. b o s t o n t e a p a r t y - ship.com/virtual-museum.
: LOWELL NOTES: “Yellow and Orange,” an exhibition featuring quilts in these vibrant hues from the Pilgrim/Roy Collection, is on v,iew at New England Quilt Museum, 18 Shattuck St., Lowell. Also on view is “The Constant Quilter,” featuring quilts by Wendy Reed. Both shows are there through May 22. Visit www.neqm.org or call 978-452-4207 for info. ... Calling all artists: The deadline for submissions to the upcoming “Community” exhibit at Brush Art Gallery and Studios is Friday, March 26, at 11:59 p.m. The exhibit is on May 1-June 12. The theme is “What does community look like to you?.” The prospectus and application are available at www.lowellartshows.com/ NPS. ... Whistler House Museum of Art is postponing, for the second time, the James McNeill Whistler Distinguished Art Award 2020 honoring arts patron and philanthropist Nancy L. Donahue in honor of her 90th birthday. Originally slated for June 2020, it was moved to this June 24 due to the pandemic. The rescheduled date is still to be determined, according to the Whistler House announcement. Stay tuned for updates.
: THE AIR WE BREATHE: Concord’s Umbrella Arts presents “Change is in the Air,” its annual nonjuried art exhibition held in conjunction with Earth Day and on display through the weekend of April 25. Featuring works by internationally exhibited artists and local schoolchildren, the community exhibition centers on work responding to the Umbrella’s call to explore all aspects related to the element “Air.” All ages and experience levels of artists responded to the call in many different media, styles and genres, resulting in a breathtaking show. View the exhibit in person by advance appointment with strict health protocols at the Main Gallery, 40 Stow St., or online in two virtual formats. For info and gallery request forms, visit www.TheUmbrellaArts.org/ Gallery.
: SAVE THE DATE: Concord Museum reopens to visitors on April 1. No fooling! More info on the reopening in next week’s Eye on Art and at www.concordmuseum.org.