"FIRE" CITY HALL EXHIBIT

July 10-August 30, 2006
Artist Talk: July 13

Surendra Lawoti

Surendra received a 2006 fellowship grant from the Somerville Art Council. All fellowship recipients are required to carry out a community benefit project--whether its giving a presentation to SHS students or leading a writing workshop at the Somerville Library. Surendra organized this exhibit and will give an artist talk about his experience photographing Somerville firefighters on Thursday, July 13th, at 7pm at the Somerville Library, 79 Highland Ave. The 11 photographs in this exhibit are located in the front hallway and in the Mayor's offices on the second floor.

Artist Statement:

The physiological and psychological need and desire to run into a burning building is beyond comprehension to me, but necessary to others. My series "Fire" is motivated by this inquiry. I am interested in the firefighters' experiences confronting the wrath and unpredictability of the fire, as well as the uncertainties, the fear, the close calls, and losses. By getting close with my camera, I want to look into their eyes, feel their skin, pores and hairs. In their faces, I want to reveal the effects of time - the residues of wear and tear. With "Fire," I want to look beyond the iconic and mythical symbol of firefighter. At the heart of it, all I want to do is look into the eye.

www.surendralawoti.com
lawoti@yahoo.com