Elisa Fay: I Hate You I Love You
Main Street, located in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood of Cincinnati, has a deeply-rooted history in arts and entertainment that continues to this day. It is home to some of the best dive bars, vintage shops, art galleries, tattoo parlors, and live music venues that Cincinnati has to offer. But its reputation is not just one of an arts and entertainment district. As with any main drag in an American city, it has its fair share of undesirable events. Not to mention, the entirety of Over-the-Rhine has earned a spot on the list of most dangerous neighborhoods, not only in Cincinnati but the United States as a whole.
As a Main Street business owner of four years and a Cincinnati resident of almost 30, artist and photographer Elisa Fay has become all too familiar with the goings-on of Main Street. She has developed a love-hate relationship with it, from the inner-city crime and incessant catcalling to the undeniably fierce and supportive community. Through portrait photography and in-depth conversations with Main Street regulars and familiar faces, whether residents, business owners, or loyal visitors, I Hate You I Love You sheds light on the backstories that make Main Street everything it is today—a home, a hub, a headline, and so much more. Whether you love it, hate it, or both, it is here to stay, and there is nowhere else like it.
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Elisa Fay, The Boys, 2020. Digital print, 12 x 8 inches. Courtesy of the artist
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Elisa Fay, Crooked, 2024. Digital print, 12 x 8 inches. Courtesy of the artist
Venue Details
Main Street Shop & Studio
1342 Main St
Cincinnati, OH 45202
(513) 258-1213
Wed–Fri Noon–6pm, Sat & Sun 11am–5pm
Free to the Public
Nearby Venues
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