Cynthia MacAdams: Feminist Portraits 1974-1977

I'm old enough for Bella Abzug to have been a hero in my life. Next month her daughter-- Professor Liz Abzug, a chip off the old block-- will be moderating a discussion on the Third Wave of Feminism and Beyond. It's part of an exhibition of the works of celebrated American photographer Cynthia MacAdams at the Steve Kasher Gallery in Chelsea.

Aside from displaying more than 70 of MacAdam's works-- an exhibition which runs from January 28 through February 27-- the Abzug panel discussion will also feature a poetry reading by Anne Waldman, a dance performance by a member of the Yaa Samar! Dance Theatre. The other panel members: Anne Waldman, Lee Grant, Mia Herndon of the Third Wave Foundation and Jerin Alam of the National NOW Young Feminist Task Force.

The photography itself-- vintage black and white prints of female artists, activists and intellectuals from the 1970's-- includes works from MacAdam's landmark (and now out-of-print) book, Emergence, as well as photographs that have never been published.

In her Chelsea debut, MacAdams' images of pioneering  figures of the women's movement, such as Gloria Steinem, Kate Millett, Judy Chicago and Jane Fonda, remind us of the monumental steps taken forward during this pivotal era. The photographs include images of street people and noted actresses, writers, poets and playwrights, from Laurie Anderson and Mary Ellen Mark to Patti Smith, Lily Tomlin and Meredith Monk. 

In this collection of women's portraits, MacAdams eschews the traditional relationship between the female model and the camera, and addresses her subjects like old friends in the middle of an extended conversation. The results are inspiring, thought-provoking and refreshingly forthright.