The Bazemore Gallery Presents ‘Opening Eyes’ to Africa
Photos, story by Cassie Hepler
Tucked away on Main Street in Manayunk across from the always familiar Zesty’s and next to the amazing Chabba Thai, you might almost miss the sign peeking out from above the art gallery. When stepping inside, The Bazemore Gallery will transport you out of Philly and into a chic, Upper East Side art gallery space. The mood changes depending what’s on the walls but there is always something special for the senses. This photography exhibit especially delights my senses as I was also snapping photos as a child – with a Polaroid instant camera then. Without any outside influence, this is Africa through the eyes of a child and “Opening Eyes” is a perfect way to describe this exhibit. Loveable owner Lenny Bazemore and I had a chance for a Q&A before the show launches after Thanksgiving week.
Q: What exactly is this exhibit and why is it so special to you?
A: In February 2013, teenagers from three townships in South Africa took a photography workshop led by Photography for Change, a South Africa-based non-profit organization. Over six Saturdays, students were provided with photography lessons and were given disposable cameras. They were told to take the cameras home and document their surroundings. These images are an insight into their hopes, dreams and inspirations. ??This photography program was special because it gave students the opportunity to look at their life in a different way and examine the beauty in their community. Being able to exhibit the images in the gallery opens the lines of communication and allows them to reach a larger audience.
Q: These are children who are photojournalism photographers, would you agree?
A: Absolutely. These children are using photography as a way to document and share their personal journey.
Q: How is this exhibit helping people in Africa?
A: Any donation or purchase will enable Love to Langa to continue to offer education and enrichment programs to children and teens living in challenging circumstances in South Africa.
Q: Have you ever been to Africa? If so, tell us about your experience of the culture and people. And if not, any plans to go?
A: Actually, my family and I planned on taking a trip to South Africa last summer but decided to see what America had to offer instead. We drove across country to see America’s well-known landmarks such as Mt. Rushmore and Old Faithful in Yellow Stone Park, and so essentially my family and I had a chance to see where the buffalo roam.
Q: Tell us a little bit about Bazemore and how it began and how long you have been in Manayunk?
A: I’ve been here for almost two years. I chose to open my gallery in Manayunk because I wanted to give the people here a place they would be proud of and excited to visit. I’m also currently working on opening The Juice Merchant, a juice bar located at 4330 Main Street in Manayunk. We are set to open in January 2015. TJM will offer fresh juices, smoothies, wraps, salads and desserts. There will also be an artists’ wall (sponsored by The Bazemore Gallery) where local artists can display and sell their work.
Q: What about you, Lenny? What drives you to keep curating art and the art culture?
A: I am constantly inspired by my surroundings and experiences, and I aim to exhibit artists that inspire and impact others in a positive way. The gallery is a place where all people can come and be exposed to different cultures and art forms.
Q: How long does this exhibit run and what are some key features?
A: The exhibition runs from Dec. 4 until Dec. 13. There are 27 photographs on display, and all of the images can be purchased in alternate sizes on www.lovetolanga.org. All of the proceeds go to the Love to Langa organization and help fund future programs just like this one.
Discover more at these online pages.
The Bazemore Gallery exhibition page: http://thebazemoregallery.com/the_exhibitions
The Bazemore Gallery Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebazemoregallery?ref=hl
