When photographer Robert Klemm began sending photographs of his new city to his family in Germany, they were so impressed by his prints of the tropical foliage and Mediterranean architecture they suggested he turn them into a calendar. Instead Klemm published a pictorial book, Landscapes of Coral Gables, featuring city hall, the Biltmore Hotel, and Venetian Pool.
Klemm's fashion work has appeared in Women's Wear Daily and the New York Times Magazine, as well as ads for Macy's and Benetton. A photographer for more than 22 years, he is inspired by Irving Penn, Edward Weston, and Ansel Adams, and, like famed French photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson, "wants to capture that 'decisive moment,'" says Klemm. Although he uses digital for events and weddings, he is strictly old-school when it comes to his fine art work. "There is no color film in my camera," Klemm states. Meet the photog tonight and pick up a copy of his book or one of his prints during Gallery Walk from 7:00 to 10:00 at the Gilded Hand, 165 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables. Call 305-442-1445. Visit www.rk-image.com to see more of Klemm's work. —Lyssa Oberbreser
Surrealist Nightmares
SAT 12/3
That greedy dog is barking again, reminding us what a truly transgressive piece of art looks like. That's what Hammerhead Productions is promising with tonight's double bill of Luis Buñuel's film Un Chien Andalou and the U.S. premiere of son Juan Luis Buñuel's documentary Calanda, followed by a Q&A session with the younger Buñuel.
The senior Buñuel and Salvador Dali collaborated on the 1929 film that includes a closeup of a barber's knife severing what appears to be a human eyeball. This is Buñuel's way of saying that our viewing habits are obsolete, that perception is deeper than the plain reality our naked eye sees. Calanda is Juan Luis Buñuel's 1966 award-winning film about the 24-hour drumming ceremony re-enacted annually in his father's hometown in Spain. Buñuel says he's now "interested in filming in Miami a documentary entitled La Reconquista, based on the growing influence of Latinos in the U.S."
Tickets cost $50; $100 for VIP, which includes a 7:00 reception with J.L. Buñuel and open bar. The films begin at 8:00 at Shores Performing Arts Theater, 9806 NE Second Ave., Miami. Call 305-815-3540. — Javier Martínez de Pisn
Behind the Mask
Lowe's got the reins down on African Art
SAT 12/3
Two engaging exhibits at the University of Miami's Lowe Art Museum (1301 Stanford Dr., Coral Gables) combine to offer an intimate examination of African identity that opens a window onto the continent's cultural legacy. "We have selected important works from the Lowe's collection and other local collections which are complemented by a wonderful series of photographs taken in Africa," explains Marcilene K. Wittmer, professor emeritus at the University of Miami and curator.
Opening today, "Imaging and Identity: African Art from the Lowe Art Museum and Other South Florida Collections" features 113 rarely seen objects once used as part of sacred rituals and public ceremonies, providing insight into fundamental aspects of African art. Upon entering the exhibit, viewers are confronted by videos of Yoruba Egungun masqueraders performing, which helps put displayed masks in their original context. "Many of these sculptures and masks were never intended to be seen, and even though they have been removed from their original context, one still detects a sense of power," Wittmer says.
This show is accompanied by "Engaging the Camera: African Women, Portraits and the Photographs of Hector Acebes," examining the themes of the African female body as spectacle and the complex power dynamics between the photographer and the photographed in Africa.
The university's philosophy department also presents its second annual Parodi Lecture in Aesthetics at the Lowe tomorrow from 9:00 to noon, followed by a champagne brunch. Art wonkdom's grand poobah Noel Carroll will be enlightening the audience with "Art and Alienation," organizers promise. "He's the most important figure in the philosophy of art today." Call 305-284-3535, or visit www.miami.edu/lowe/. —Carlos Suarez de Jesus
What to Wear
SAT 12/3
Art Basel is here, and the deliberately quirky, poser-perfect outfits are competing with the creative works hanging on the walls. Leave the wannabe posturing to the visiting trendoids. To feel the vibrant pulse of Miami's independent fashion scene, head to the "Art Couture" exhibit at Toob Studio (180 NW 25th St., Miami). Encounter the latest frocks made by local avant-garde designers like Krelwear, Ash Rana, and Cardiac at the opening reception tonight at 7:00. Admission is free. Call 305-576-7465. — Patrice Elizabeth Grell Yursik
Prt--Couture
SAT 12/3
Youngsters who missed the Sixties view the decade as being all about bell-bottoms and hippie garb. The clothing of the era was meant to display antiestablishment individuality. Few did that better than Dina Knapp, a leader of the Art to Wear movement who created unique garments (left) that have been exhibited in museums nationwide. Check out Knapp's retrospective at C. Madeline's Vintage Showroom, 13702 Biscayne Blvd., North Miami. Today's opening reception runs from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Admission is free. Call 305-945-7770. — Patrice Elizabeth Grell Yursik
