Retrospective with Reading Glasses (2021)

The experimental film used for Retrospective with Reading Glasses, a mixed media exhibition that uses a combination of photographs, videos and short poems by Paul Rabinowitz to tell the story of an evolving artist. The exhibition has multiple rooms, each one its own chapter of the artist's progression: starting off with more classical black and white photos, and moving through to color photos. The pictures become grittier and more saturated as the artist finds his own voice. The poetry that accompanies the photos tells a similar story, the speaker often addressing a familiar “you” (which can be interpreted by the reader as themselves, the artist, the model in the photograph, or even a loved one). The size of the text is in small font so the visitor must use ‘reading glasses’ to read the poetry. Reading glasses are an instrument that make clear what’s already on the page; this carefully curated exhibit will do the same, as it will show the story of growth, evolution, and bravery already apparent in Paul’s raw materials.

Written by
Paul Rabinowitz
Performed by
AJ Tasley Parr
Cinematography by
Kathleen Kelley

A brief look inside the solo show with artist and creator, Paul Rabinowitz