The Lens

Short Stories showcases an ongoing series by Tony Mendoza, a Cuban-born artist living and working in Columbus, Ohio, who, since the mid-80s, has created a body of experimental double-portrait photographs. Mendoza’s signature practice involves coupling photographs with short autobiographical stories to encapsulate his varied experiences. His work invites viewers into his intimate world, sharing a portrait of those subjects captured in black-and-white photographs, alongside a composite “portrait” of Mendoza through the recollected snippets and words shared with the viewer. The works cross a range of emotions, through which Mendoza's inherent humorous personality sings.

Curator: Jordanne Renner, Arts Committee Chair

Skate Downtown Cincy presents Rollin’ in Rhythm, a group exhibition of street photography, portraiture, and sport videography. Intertwined with the birth of funk music in southwestern Ohio, Cincinnati is home to a vibrant, underground roller skating culture that thrives in two of Cincinnati’s iconic, downtown skating rinks. In these rinks, the act of roller skating, a timeless source of joy and personal freedom, transcends leisure to become a canvas for new art and activism. Through photography and film, eight local artists explore themes surrounding personal expression, resilience, athleticism, and the power of public spaces.

We are greater than me. In this era of divisive attitudes and actions, this exhibition focuses on the power of telling the ongoing story of the 10th largest city in Ohio, Hamilton, by uniting multiple perspectives and interpretations. In a partnership between the Fitton Center for Creative Arts and the citizen-led initiative, 17STRONG, a regional artist is matched with each of Hamilton’s 17 diverse neighborhoods to find visual narratives that define community. Selected photographers roam their assigned areas to find the aspects, aesthetics, and personalities they wish to capture in images. By spending time within the neighborhoods’ borders and interacting with residents,... Continue reading We > Me: 17 Artists Explore Hamilton Neighborhoods

A Chilean family, comprising three generations of circus performers, is the centerpiece of Casey LeClair's Moving Parts. Originally inspired by the dismantling of their circus in Sweden, a flyer found in northern California reminded LeClair that he had never actually seen their performance, only the aftermath. Over the course of three weeks in three towns, LeClair documented the construction of the circus tent, nightly performances, and disassembly process.

Without formal interviews, the exhibition relies on photographs and keen observations, offering insights into the daily routines of the family, their roles as artists, and the... Continue reading Casey LeClair: Moving Parts

Posing Beauty in African American Culture traces the relationship between African American beauty and visual culture from the 1890s to the present through documentary, commercial, and fine art photography. Documentary photographs and portraits of famous and middle-class people alike present the public face of African American beauty, while commercial photographs demonstrate how fashion and advertising construct beauty standards. Contemporary photographers—some of whom use themselves as subjects—encourage consideration of how images of beauty impact mass culture and individuals.

Organized by Curatorial Assistance Traveling Exhibitions and curated by Deborah Willis, Ph.D., one of the nation’s leading... Continue reading Posing Beauty in African American Culture