Unscheduled Stops: Eric Levin’s Photo Exhibit Is What It Is

I really like the McGraw Gallery's current exhibit...a collection of 45 quirky photographs that illuminate the unexpected textures and angles of otherwise overlooked everyday objects and spaces. But the real star of this show is the artist, New Jersey Monthly's own Eric Levin...

Eric Levin Movie Theater Photograph
Movie Theater, Popcorn Machine, Caldwell, NJ 2014

I knew something interesting was brewing as soon as Eric presented me with a printed invite to the party that kicked off his one-man show at Newark Academy’s McGraw Gallery in Livingston. The photography exhibit, "Unscheduled Stops," runs throughout November 25, so you still have time to check it out on your way to pick up a Thanksgiving turkey.

What I like most about Eric’s work is that he doesn’t take time to style it in any way. It is what it is…and if the artifacts are adorned with a little dust or rust, that’s how they are photographed. Richard Lacayo, art critic for Time magazine, says, "Levin has a gift for finding trancendence in even the most haphazard places." You can say that again. A neighborhood coffee shop, an abandoned theater, a seldom-traveled alley all hold opportunities for Eric and his wife (and chief scouter) Susan.

Here’s what Eric has to say about the gallery party that drew an impressive crowd: "It was a joyous blur of greeting people, introducing people to each other, accepting congratulations, now and then answering questions about certain pictures. There was a sense of energy and happiness in the room."

(As NJM’s dining editor, you can be sure that Mr. Levin and family treated partygoers to a fine spread that included four dozen Schnackenberg doughnuts, imported from Hoboken. Word on the street is that only 1.5 doughnuts remained after the soiree.)

When I asked Eric to describe his passion for the camera, he says: "As a reporter, writer and editor, I am in a lifelong love affair with the English language, my medium and muse every day for the last 45 years. Photography speaks to, or arises from, a different part of my brain, one that is entirely nonverbal, that speaks in a way language cannot. I love them both. Two mistresses, and nobody gets hurt!"

As I strolled around the gallery, my eyes were instantly drawn to three disparate photographs displayed on different walls. Although Eric did not hang them as a trio, that would be my inclination. I’ve included images of them here, for your enjoyment. And here’s the back story on each of them:

Shopping Carts, ShopRite, West Orange, NJ, 2005 is a perfect example of an Unscheduled Stop. I was on my way to buy groceries. But I always have my camera and I am always looking around. I pulled into the parking space, looked out the driver’s side window and saw this.

I went to the last show of the movie Lone Survivor on a weeknight in Caldwell. After the movie ended, I took some pictures in the empty theater. By the time I came out to the lobby, everyone had gone, the refreshment counter had been cleaned up and shut down for the night, and there were just two employees, standing there, waiting for this last ferschlugginer patron to leave. Before I did, I noticed the popcorn machine, now transformed into a shiny metal abstract sculpture surrounded by strong colors. Pulled out the camera. Result: Movie Theater Popcorn Machine, Caldwell, NJ, 2014

Refreshment Stand, Steel Pier, Atlantic City, NJ, 2009 was yet another Unscheduled Stop. I was in town to write about AC restaurants. My wife and I were taking a stroll on the Boardwalk when we came to this refreshment stand. I walked up to the side of it, loved the transparency, the reflections, the complexity of the image, all the elements anchored by the orange handle of the coffee pot. Orange is for decaf. For me, this shot was pure caffeine.

All images are available for sale, framed or unframed. For more information about Eric Levin’s photography exhibit, contact McGraw Gallery director Elaine Brodie at 973-992-7000, extension 222.

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