By David J. Glenn
When Tina Antonucci of Bayside went to Washington on Inauguration Day Jan. 20, she was just visiting her boyfriend and hadn't intended to get involved in any way with the thousands who were protesting George W. Bush's election.
But as a student of fine arts and photography at Queensborough Community College, “I never go anywhere without my camera,” she said – and the habit paid off.
She took several shots of the protesters, their signs, and scenes of the street theater, and now six of the photos are on display through May 15 as part of the multi-media “The Election Day Protest Exhibit” at the Theater for the New City, 155 First Ave. at 10th Street in Manhattan.
“It's really a big break for me,” said the 24-year-old single mother of a 3-year-old girl. “It's my first exhibit.”
It happened because a friend, Frank Shifreen, curator and coordinator with Scott Pfaffman of the New City exhibit, looked at her pictures and liked them. Antonucci didn't have to ponder very long when he asked her if she would like them displayed.
One of the photos is of a young man and woman taking photographs themselves at the protest. Both are wearing what look like combat fatigues, and the man is adjusting a camera with a zoom lens on a tripod in front of him. Add the rain that poured on Washington on Jan. 20, and it looks almost like the two are soldiers aiming a large gun in battle.
Another shot is of a street actor portraying Bush behind his desk with the presidential seal, and a backdrop of the Oval Office complete with curtains and an American flag.
Of the roughly 50 pieces in the exhibit, Antonucci's work is the only photography – the rest are paintings and other media.
The budding photo-artist hopes to pursue the field at Queens College or New York University, probably focusing on art therapy, the emerging profession of using art to help treat patients with mental illness or other disorders.
“People are starting to notice my work,” Antonucci said.
The display in Manhattan certainly won't hurt.
Reach Qguide Editor David Glenn by e-mail at Timesledgr@aol.com or call 229-0300, Ext. 139.
