Landscapes of History: Photography by Vivien A. Schmidt (10/21/14)
An exhibition of photographs by Vivien Schmidt opens tomorrow (October 21, 2014) in the Jacek E. Giedrojć Gallery of the Minda de Gunzburg Center for European Studies at Harvard University.
Italian landscapes are inseparable from European art history and its aesthetic self-awareness. Yet, these landscapes also profoundly influence Western understandings of politics and history. Foundational concepts and ideas that shape our political imagination are embedded in visual images of Florence, Rome, Siena, Venice, or the Tuscan countryside. The land- and cityscapes of Italy evoke notions of the self-governed republic, civic virtues, dangers of tyranny and importance of citizens’ rights, duties and obligations. Through their timelessness, today’s landscapes of Italy form the deepest connection between ancient political traditions and contemporary ideas and echo aspirations toward a Europe unified and without borders.
Following tomorrow’s reception, the exhibition will remain open for viewing 9 to 5pm, Monday through Friday.
The banner images on this website are taken from Vivien’s Italian landscapes. You can see her other on her fine art photography website.
To contact her, email: vivienaschmidt@gmail.com or vschmidt@bu.edu