House Calls exhibit closing in Toronto July 3, 2011

[nowaczynski]

After two extensions and a very successful 14 month run, the House Calls with my Camera exhibit at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto is closing on July 3. This exhibit of 36 large format 4x5 B&W social documentary photographs was beautifully printed on fibre-based silver gelatin paper by legendary master printer Bob Carnie. The ROM is Canada's largest and most visited museum:

http://www.rom.on.ca/exhibitions/special/housecalls.php

 

[CGW]

After two extensions and a very successful 14 month run, the House Calls with my Camera exhibit at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto is closing on July 3. This exhibit of 36 large format 4x5 B&W social documentary photographs was beautifully printed on fibre-based silver gelatin paper by legendary master printer Bob Carnie. The ROM is Canada's largest and most visited museum:

http://www.rom.on.ca/exhibitions/special/housecalls.php

Never liked the House Calls exhibit. Thought it was intrusive and exploitative. Nothing against Carnie or his work.

 

[papagene]

I have to disagree. I feel the work is a loving tribute to his patients. I don't think the photos of Dr. Mark Nowaczynski are anywhere near exploitative. He only photographs patients that willing to pose for him. They are full participants in this venture.
Bob Carnie printed the work of the good doctor and the prints are wonderful.

 

[nowaczynski]

As the photographer (and physician) involved, I respectfully beg to differ with CGW! It is about using social documentary photography to raise awareness and stimulate change, and about providing necessary care to frail, marginalized and house-bound seniors that far too often fall through the cracks.

Perhaps the links below to articles in the Toronto Star, Maclean's, Canadian Family Physician, and to the National Film Board of Canada documentary film House Calls (which you can view online) will give viewers a better understanding of the issues and the context of the exhibit:

http://www.thestar.com/living/article/805593--the-essence-of-aging

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/813028--goar-glimpse-into-a-lonely-hidden-world

http://www.cfp.ca/content/56/7/724.full

http://www2.macleans.ca/tag/aging-population/

http://www.cfp.ca/content/53/1/182.full

http://www.nfb.ca/film/house-calls

 

[nowaczynski]

Thanks for your kind words Gene!
Best regards,
Mark

 

[Steve Sherman]

Never liked the House Calls exhibit. Thought it was intrusive and exploitative. Nothing against Carnie or his work.

I guess it is possible to have this view from afar. However, having seen the exhibit and had the privilege of hearing Dr. Mark give a talk at the ROM last month about the project it was clear his concerns were first and foremost for his patients and photography a distant second.

As a photographer and human being in general it must very uplifting to know you have impacted so many people in a positive way. As a doctor to know you have impacted the way an entire country's health care system cares for those less fortunate is an emotion few people in life come to know.

Kudos to Dr. Mark