The Brown Sisters Photo Exhibit at MOMA

So, yesterday I was in NYC with 5 of my 6 sisters (one passed away several years ago). It was pretty amazing to be all together, in part because we have not all been together in a long time, and in part because NYC is special to us -- our dad grew up there, and we have a lot of childhood memories from NY. One of them is of driving along 5th Avenue late at night after Thanksgiving dinner at my aunt's brownstone, and having my dad stop the station wagon so that we could all run out of the car to look at the magical Christmas windows at Saks. So of course, we went to see the windows yesterday, and it was like magic all over again, just no station wagon and a lot more people.

But the highlight of the day was a trip to MOMA to see the Nicholas Nixon exhibit of 40 years of portraits of the 4 Brown sisters, one of which is his wife. There was a little chatter on the forum a while back about this exhibit, and I wanted to let you know that it is well worth the visit if you are in NYC. Also, it is in the lobby of the museum, so it is free to view. The portraits are beautiful but what is really stunning is to see the women age and the relationships evolve -- or so you imagine, based on how they relate to each other in the photos over time. They become physically closer and more intimate as they get older, but it's so much more than that. You find yourself looking at nuances, gestures, and expressions, and trying to suss out the storyline. Quite incredible. It had an amazing impact on all of us -- it was really quite moving. Also, it just so happened that Mr. Nixon was there signing books yesterday so we got to meet him. Apparently the show has brought out lots of groups of sisters so we were not unique, but it was still wonderful to be there and meet him.

I'd urge you to go this month, or to take advantage of the opportunity to see the exhibit elsewhere if it travels.

http://www.moma.org/visit/cale.....tions/1534

I've included a couple of pictures -- first, in front of the exhibit, and second, in front of The Oyster Bar, where we had lunch.
In front of the exhibit, from L to R: Sharon, Dede, Olivia, Marina, me (!), Sheila (missing: Andrea)

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9 years ago

Caro in Oz

Veteran

Thanks for posting - sounds like an amazing exhibition. The photos with your sisters are priceless

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

WOW. You were a seven sister family. That's remarkable. (Sorry to hear that one of your sisters passed away).

Fun memories and thanks for sharing. xo

catgirl

I absolutely love this - posted about it either here or on Facebook when the most recent picture came out. Being from New England originally, I feel they are weirdly familar faces and to see them over time is incredbily moving. Can't imagine how powerful the exhibit itself is.

Anonymous

Going into the city with DD when she is home on winter break ( hopefully next week) and MOMA is on our list. Want to see the Christmas tree in Rockerfeller Center too plus all the holiday window displays. She was supposed to be home on Thursday, but with this nor'easter her finals may get pushed to late Friday if they close the school tomorrow.

deb

This sounds like so much fun. I am so glad you were all able to get together.

kkards

what a fun thing to do with your sisters! i haven't been to the exhibit, but somewere i saw a collection of the photos (not sure if was on line or maybe in the paper). it was so interesting to see the women as they moved thru life.

Debora

What a sweet and touching post. It's so wonderful that you and your sisters were able to view this exhibit together. I so wanted to see this. I visited NYC early last month and it wasn't on view yet. We did get to view the Matisse Cut-outs though. Another wonderful exhibition. Were you able to go through it? There were long lines and timed viewings for it when we were there. Well worth the wait, though. Thank you SO much for sharing!

JenA

What a great post. I can't imagine stopping your car in front of saks to see the windows now. You and your sisters all look so happy together. I love the one in front of the portraits.

Hope you and your family have very happy holidays!
Jen

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