Patti Smith, aka “The Godmother of Punk”, descended on the Art Gallery of Ontario yesterday for her first look at the exhibition featuring her photos and memorabilia… Patti Smith: Camera Solo. She also met with arts reporters at an intimate press event to discuss her life and inspirations.
The exhibition features black and white photographs taken by Smith using a vintage Polaroid camera. Many items photographed appears blurry and haunting but with warmth and depth. Smith tells us that the photos are memories of those who have influenced her creative process including images from her famous relationship with Robert Mapplethorpe.
Interestingly, Patti Smith is also a writer. She tells the reporters that she is makes time to write every day and has kept diaries and journals of her daily life and poetry. Her memoir, Just Kids, won the 2010 U.S.A. National Book Award.
This exhibition is the first time Patti Smith’s work has been shown in Canada.
Patti Smith will be performing this evening at the sold out and very popular AGO’s First Thursdays event. She will also be at the special screening of the film Patti Smith: Dream of Life and book signing at the AGO.
Patti Smith: Camera Solo is on exhibit at the Art Gallery of Ontario until May 19.