Press Release - July 18, 2006 - Establishing an Other
Photographer Shirin Adhami Reflects on Dolls and their Makers in Establishing an Other at Brookline Arts Center
For many years, leisure has been one of the hallmarks of the middle class and the American Dream. As Americans work longer hours, the hobbies are increasingly valued as a way to relax and add meaning to leisure time.
Photographer Shirin Adhami grew up seeing one kind of hobby close up: her mother owns a doll shop in Milford, Massachusetts. Shirin was never a part of the doll-making community based in her mother's shop, but it was always a part of her life. In her new series of documentary photos, she examines the doll-making community as a way of contemplating her own split identity as a Persian-American and as a resident of a predominantly white, suburban area.
These affecting photos are on view from July 19 through September 15, 2006 at the Brookline Arts Center. The exhibition is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The public is invited to meet the artist at a free closing reception on Friday, September 15 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Adhami will also discuss her work at a free photo salon on Thursday, September 7, 2006 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. During this salon, she will discuss her approach to photography and its relationship to contemporary art. She will then lead discussion of work brought by salon participants. The salon is part of an ongoing series of discussions that are open to all photographers, or anyone interested in learning more about photography.
The Brookline Arts Center is located at 86 Monmouth Street in Brookline, one block from the St. Mary's stop on the MBTA Green line. For more information, call 617-566-5715 or www.brooklineartscenter.com.
About the BAC: The non-profit Brookline Arts Center began 40 years ago in the basement of a Brookline home and in 1968 moved to its present home, a former firehouse. The Gallery was opened in 2002, and presents exhibitions and educational events each month. The Brookline Arts Center is funded in part by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
For more information, visit www.brooklineartscenter.com or email bac@brooklineartscenter.com.