"My dad taught me not only to gaze at the world but to truly observe it." This profound insight comes from Ariel Meyerowitz, who fondly recalls her childhood spent shadowing her accomplished father with a small Olympus XA camera, imitating his photographic techniques. After they returned home, he would edit the captured images using a slide projector, inviting Ariel to watch intently alongside him. "He relished having a tiny companion by his side," Meyerowitz reflects. "Watching him navigate through the slides, I didn’t just learn to glance at the world; I learned to fully appreciate it. I began to notice the connections between individuals and their surroundings, the vividness of colors, and the humor and depth woven into each scene."
To the public, Ariel's father is none other than Joel Meyerowitz, a distinguished American photographer known for his impactful work. The photo in question features him capturing an image of Ariel, who is, in turn, snapping a picture of her father as well as a sculpture created by the Swiss artist, Ugo Rondinone, in his exhibition titled "The Rainbow Body."
"His visits to New York from London are always packed with commitments, but he always carves out at least one day for us to explore galleries or museums together," shares Ariel, who serves as an art adviser. "He possesses a magnetic presence and speaks with eloquence, backed by a rich understanding of photography and art history. Our conversations are deeply engaging; we often find common ground, but we definitely have our disagreements as well."
In regards to Rondinone’s exhibit, both father and daughter shared a mutual appreciation for the immersive and vibrant experience it provided. "When I capture artwork, I aim to do so in a way that honors the piece's original integrity, presenting it as the artist envisioned it," Ariel explains. "My iPhone beautifully captured the vivid colors that Rondinone is known for."
And here's where people often differ in opinion: How do personal interpretations influence the way art is depicted? Are there moments when capturing a piece of art might unintentionally distort its essence? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments! Do you agree with Ariel's approach, or do you think there are other equally valid ways to portray artistic works?
