Ahndraya Parlato, an assistant professor at Rochester Institute of Technology is making her museum debut with the exhibition “Time to Kill” at the George Eastman Museum. This multimedia showcase is a profound exploration of gendered aging a theme that has permeated Parlato’s three published books of photography.
The exhibition, which runs until Jan. 3, 2027 features a collection of photographs, paintings, and sculptures that delve into the societal expectations and judgments faced by women as they age. Parlato’s work is known for its intensely personal style characterized by small, deliberate imperfections that ground the art in reality. These imperfections, such as blurs or wrinkles, give the work an immediacy that connects with viewers on a personal level.
Ahndraya Parlato’s Artistic Philosophy
Parlato’s artistic philosophy is deeply rooted in the belief that the subject matter should be reflected in the work itself. This approach is evident in her exploration of heavy themes like motherhoodperspective and suicide. Her art is a blend of the brazen and raw with the delicate and subtle embodying the ideas she hopes to highlight.
The exhibition is a meditation on self-perception and self-worth in relation to societal expectations. It features narrative letters that convey themes and reflections, interspersed with photo portraits of older women. These portraits depict women sitting casually, seemingly freed from the standards imposed on them throughout their lives.
The Double Standard of Aging
Parlato’s work highlights the double standard faced by women as they age. Society often burdens women with the impossible task of maintaining a youthful appearance, even into their golden years. Some women are admired for their success, while others are scrutinized for not meeting these unrealistic standards. Parlato describes this phenomenon as “like a finger trap” an unwinnable situation that women are forced to navigate.
The exhibition includes various elements that explore aging and perception. These include a banana in different stages of rot, disjointed mirrors that reflect bits and pieces of viewers back onto themselves, and a correspondence with a vampire unable to see its reflection. These elements construct a conversation about societal norms and their impact on women’s sense of self.
The Impact of ‘Time to Kill’
“Time to Kill” is a poignant examination of uniquely female experiences, made accessible through a beautiful collection of multimedia art. The exhibition challenges viewers to reconsider societal norms and the pressure placed on women to conform to these standards. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of authenticity and self-acceptance.
Brodie Martin, a recent graduate of Nazareth University and a member of the Oasis Project’s third cohort contributed to the exhibition. The George Eastman Museum continues to be a hub for thought-provoking art that challenges societal norms and sparks meaningful conversations.
