Exhibition Review: “But Still, It Turns” at The International Center of Photography (ICP)

Gregory Halpern, Untitled, 2016. © Gregory Halpern 

By Dani Martin

The International Center of Photography (ICP) in New York is currently showcasing an exhibition called “But Still, It Turns.” Curated by Paul Graham, this exhibition features nine different contemporary artists, including Vanessa Winship, Curran Hatleberg, Richard Choi, RaMell Ross, Gregory Halpern, Piergiorgio Casotti, Emanuele Brutti, Kristine Potter, and Stanley Wolukau-Wanambwa. Each artist in the exhibition focuses on life simply as it is. In a documentary-style fashion, their images capture particular moments in time that feel familiar or nostalgic. These images are transportive and provide insight into other lives that, had things perhaps been different, could have been our reality.

Piergiorgio Casotti and Emanuele Brutti, STL PEOPLE no. 1, 2017. © Piergiorgio Casotti and Emanuele Brutti 

Stanley Wolukau-Wanambwa, Monteiro Street, 2014. © Stanley Wolukau-Wanambwa 

In a world dominated by online manipulation and heavily edited imagery, these photos exist as juxtaposed to that norm. Though documentary photography became less popular (in favor of studio manipulated work), its recent resurgence provides a foundation for this exhibition to thrive. These works represent a raw reality that often goes unnoticed and overlooked in contemporary society. While editing and staging create an imaginary, unattainable world, these still moments in life are welcoming and refreshing. 

Curran Hatleberg, Lost Coast (36), 2014. © Curran Hatleberg 

Richard Choi, one of the artists featured, captures quiet moments at home in intimate spaces; one of his photographs features an older woman in the privacy of her bedroom praying alongside her bed. Another photographer, Curran Hatleberg, shares images “Lost Coast (8),” and “Lost Coast (36)” both depicting children and adults in a rural setting candidly and freely going about their days. Two images by RaMell Ross, “Here” and “Famous Men,” are captured from afar. In “Here,” a young girl is sitting on a bus alone with her face obstructed by the seat in front, while the second image shows two men playing basketball outside in the distance. The main commonality these photos share is their ability to give a glimpse into the lives of others. The wonder of this exhibition is its charming and intriguing authenticity.

Richard Choi, Untitled (Bedside Prayer), 2018. © Richard Choi 

Vanessa Winship, Untitled (Ray Nixon Road, Abandoned Car, Twisted Tree), Denver, Colorado, November 2011.

© Vanessa Winship 

This work seems particularly poignant given the current state of the world and the COVID-19 pandemic. They exude the freedom of regular, ordinary lives before lockdowns, masks, and isolation. Though not inherently glamorous, the images in “But Still, It Turns” are more concerned with the everyday, quiet beauty of life. To look at these images in today’s circumstances evokes longing and yearning for normalcy that is uncertain when to come. As its name suggests, however, life continues, and these moments elicit hopefulness and comfort in a time of uncertainty.  

RaMell Ross, Boys, 2014. © RaMell Ross 

This exhibit is open to the public at the ICP in New York City until May 9th, 2021.