"Patti Smith: Camera Solo" at the DIA

Last week, punk rock goddess Patti Smith, led a small group of media-types through the exhibit "Patti Smith: Camera Solo" at the Detroit Institute of Arts.  The exhibit consists of 70 black and white photographs taken with Patti's a vintage Polaroid Land 250 camera, which through the eye of Ms. Smith, quietly records a life well lived.



















Although Patti Smith's iconic status is mostly associated with her involvement as a musician, there are few photographs that visually connect her to a lifestyle of fame and notoriety. This exhibit should put to rest preconceived notions of Ms. Smith being regarded as a so-called celebrity photographer. All egos have been respectfully checked at the door, which becomes more apparent when walking through the gallery space.  Any traces of celebrity exist within the realm of a well-preserved memory, rather than a crutch to prop up her photographs.

Folksy, homespun tales of her travels and exploits would best describe the yarn woven by Patti during her walking tour of the exhibit.  Her use of personal items alongside the images effectively set the stage for a glimpse into the life of an artist who has embraced a plethora of creative exploits outside of the transparent world of rock stardom.

Especially revealing, on a local level, were stories related to raising a family while living in St. Clair Shores with her late husband Fred "Sonic" Smith of the MC5. The most poignant moment came as Ms. Smith longingly gazed into the showcase that housed her late husbands Mosrite guitar, that until now, resided underneath her bed. This could be best described as an awkward moment, closely resembling a wake, but it also reinforced the notion of just how personal this exhibit is and how interconnected the objects and photographs are in relationship to the cohesiveness of the exhibit.

Beyond personal artifacts, there are a substantial number of photographs in the exhibit, that pay homage to the many influences of her life. These influences include reoccurring themes that include, art, architecture, and literary figures, as well as family and friends, whose personal relationships have had a lasting impact on her life as an artist. Most notable is her early relationship to photographer and friend Robert Mapplethorpe.

When addressing an inquiry regarding Mapplethorpe's effect on her as a photographer, Smith deflected any notion that he personally influenced her photography; it was Mapplethorpe's confidence and lack of self-doubt that has had the most lasting effect on her as an artist.

There is little doubt that Patti Smith, as a photographer, can stand on her own two feet.

"Patti Smith: Camera Solo" will be on view until September 2, 2012 at the Detroit Institute of Arts, 5200 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201