.

Moving photos, people, and Arabesques at Besharat Gallery

I was moved unexpectedly by pictures, people and music in one serendipitous evening. Katherine's and Laura's smiles confirm the good times.
PA151248-2009-10-15-Besharat-Gallery-KK-LG

We started last Thursday evening at the White Provision art and loft tour. At 8 we half-hardheadedly headed to Besharat Gallery at Castleberry Hill. It was a reception for Steve McCurry and Parish Kohanim. I knew nothing.

Moving Photos
So, we entered Besharat. On one side were National Geographic style photos by Steve McCurry. We've seen these. Up close, they are uncannily real.
PA151229-2009-10-15-Besharat-Steve-Mccurry-Boy-In-Alley

On the other were stunning fine art photographs by Atlanta Photographer Parish Kohanim.
PA151226-2009-10-15-Besharat-Parish-Kohanim-Red

And lots of happy people in the middle:
PA151225-2009-10-15-Besharat-Steve-Mccurry-Parish-Kohanim-Crowd

MOVING Pictures
Can a picture make you weep? Make me weep? Maybe I was in the mood: We three Architecture Tourists have found something special, unexpected. I don't know. This one made my eyes tear up. It's by Parish Kohanim, huge, layered, shiny: floating dancers twirling into a blur:
PA151237-2009-10-15-Besharat-Parish-Kohanim-Ballet-Triptych

Your results may vary of course. I can't explain it. I kept returning. It kept it's magic. It didn't affect Katherine or Laura the same way but they appreciated what it did for me. What will happen when I see if again?

I kept returning to this portrait with a flower by Parish Kohanim. Against an impressionistic background, this woman seemed more real than the people in the gallery. The flower in her hand seemed supernaturally natural. Her slight smirk let us in.
CIMG3663

Steve McCurry's subjects also seem to be in the room with us:
CIMG3673

CIMG3666

MOVING Arabesque #1, Claude Debussy
Dania McDonald Lane played harp for the reception. Perfect yet most folks pay little attention: A beautiful sound, a beautiful instrument that is fascinating to watch. And watch I did while looking at my hyper-real girl on the left.
PA151238-2009-10-15-Besharat-Dania-McDonald-Lane-Harpist

After a bit more wandering around Ms. Lane started playing Debussy's Arabesque #1. I rushed to the harp, listened and watched from 3 feet away with misty eyes. Never this close.

You've heard it many times. It may even be your ring tone. You might enjoy listening while you finish this post:



MOVING People
Laura, a well traveled photographer herself, knew who Mr. McCurry was. Katherine and I took it on ourselves to get pictures with Mr. McCurry and Mr. Kohanim and to make sure Laura got to speak with them. Mission accomplished. Both were delightful.

Laura, Katherine, Steve McCurry, Darrell Lane, Parish Kohanim at Besharat Gallery - Reception Thursday, October 15, 2009
PA151231-2009-10-15-Besharat-LG-KK-Steve-McCurry-Darrell-Lane-Parish-Kohanim

Mr. Kohanim enjoyed our crew:
PA151233-2009-10-15-Besharat-KK-Parish-Kohanim-LG

Turns out that Mr. McCurry asked Laura questions:
CIMG3684

This is a hard act to follow. But I toured more of the gallery, frequently returning to my red, ballet triptych. Does it still "get" me. Yes:
CIMG3688

Outside, there is a deck with this amazing whatever it is:
PA151244-2009-10-15-Besharat-Gallery-Outdoor-Art-Light-Curves

For chair mavens:
PA151245-2009-10-15-Besharat-Gallery-Upstairs-Chair

Upstairs: Art and furniture:
PA151248-2009-10-15-Besharat-Gallery-Upstairs-Clear-Chairs

PA151246-2009-10-15-Besharat-Gallery-Upstairs-Clear-Chairs

It was a moving night. Thanks to White Provision. Besharat Gallery, Steve McCurry, Parish Kohanim, Dania McDonald Lane (and Claude Debussy), and Architecture Tourists: Laura at Exploring the World in Atlanta and Katherine.

What a great evening and a hard act to follow. We'll certainly try.
Terry

Oh, what about Debussy's 2nd Arabesque?