"My father taught me not merely to glance at the world, but to genuinely observe it," reflects Ariel Meyerowitz regarding her most cherished photograph taken with her phone.
In her early years, Ariel was often seen trailing her illustrious father, capturing moments with a small Olympus XA camera, emulating his technique as a skilled photographer. Upon returning home, her father would meticulously edit the captured images using a slide projector, creating an inviting instance for Ariel to sit beside him. "He adored having a little shadow, someone to share his passion with," Ariel fondly reminisces. "As I watched him cycle through the slides, I absorbed not just the sights around me, but learned to deeply appreciate the connections between individuals and their surroundings, the rich colors of everything, and the bittersweet humor that life often presents."
To many, this remarkable "ever-creative, engaged, and affectionate" figure is none other than Joel Meyerowitz, the distinguished American photographer. Featured in the image, he diligently photographs Ariel, who captures both him and a striking sculpture at an exhibition by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone, titled 'The Rainbow Body'.
"Whenever my dad visits New York from his home in London, his agenda is always packed, yet he prioritizes setting aside a full day just for gallery or museum visits with me," explains Ariel, who has established her career as an art adviser. "He is not just engaging and articulate but possesses a profound understanding of photography and art history, which leads to enriching discussions. While we often see eye to eye, there are undoubtedly times when our opinions diverge."
Regarding Rondinone’s exhibition, both found themselves completely absorbed by the immersive and vivid experience it offered. "When I photograph artwork, my utmost goal is to preserve the essence of the piece and portray it exactly as the artist envisioned," Meyerowitz explains. "The iPhone did an excellent job of capturing Rondinone’s brilliant colors without distortion."
But here’s where it gets intriguing: How does our relationship with art change when viewed through the lens of personal experiences? Do you believe that a parent’s influence shapes our artistic vision? I invite you to share your thoughts and join the discussion in the comments.
