Loch Gallery is delighted to present a photographic dialogue between mother and son documented over one year in pictures, yet took a combined one hundred and fifty-three years to make.
MAMMA: In the Meantime is an absorbing tale of Elia, the ninety-three-year-old dynamic model and subject of this collection of photographs and paintings that powerfully narrates the daily life of mother and son and the experience of living with dementia. Together, they have created unforgettable stories about dealing with aspects of frailty and aging, while holding onto childhood dreams.
Interested in buying the book?
Elia was married off at age thirteen to a stranger twice her age. In 2014, when she was ninety-one and unable to look after herself any longer, Elia moved in with Tony, and the collaboration of artist/son and elderly mother/model took them on a pictorial voyage of humour and of reflection. While Elia dealt with dementia and old age, her son became her full-time caregiver and began to include Mamma in his art practice.
Through social media, Tony and Elia have found a dedicated audience for their stories and photographs, which are being shared by thousands of viewers in a recent swell of media attention. Photography & visual culture magazines, as well as acclaimed news media, are all covering Tony and Elia's visual narrative, which has mesmerized international audiences. The images, often accompanied by funny and touching anecdotes, have connected Tony and Elia with other caregivers and families establishing a strong community of support. MAMMA: In the Meantime tells the moving story of love, endurance and heartache, while grappling with the woes of aging and dementia.
Join us in welcoming Elia and Tony at the opening reception of Mamma: In the Meantime on Thursday, August 18th, 6-8pm at Loch Gallery in Toronto.
~ Making Forgetting Memorable ~
Toronto Star: Artist's 93-year-old mother becomes his muse
ABC News: Son's Photos Capture 'Vibrant' Spirit of His 93-Year-Old Mother
Huffington Post: Aging Is Surreal But Fun In These Photos Of An Artist’s 91-Year-Old Mother
Upworthy.com: Instead of complaining when his 93-year-old mom moved in, he got his camera
