Check out these celebrity gallery images:
The Celebrity Persona 
Image by vasta Anyone in whose daily commute takes them through the BCE Place Galleria in the Financial District has undoubtedly had the opportunity to see the wonderful photo exhibition, The Celebrity Persona, presented by Ryerson University as part of Contact 2007. Presenting digital reproductions of photos in Ryerson's Black Star Historical Black & White Photography Collection, The Celebrity Persona showcases images of famous icons throughout history that are unmediated and natural. In a society where celebrity is 'constructed' through premeditated photo-ops and unquestioned airbrushing, the exhibit is refreshing in the way it captures celebrities in an unprocessed and genuine manner. There were two things that resonated with me while experiencing the exhibit: the first, obviously, was the raw nature of the photographs. While all the photos were well-taken and professionally crafted, there was a sense of genuineness and unpretentiousness that permeated from the exhibit. Instead of standard biographical excerpts about each celebrity, the blurbs that accompanied the photos reflected the content of the photo itself and told me a bit about the personality of each of the pictured icons. The second thing that piqued my interest was how the exhibit dealt with the concept of celebrity itself. Instead of simply putting forward photos of the Lindsay Lohans and Paris Hiltons of the time, the exhibit meshed together scientists, politicians, actors, singers, royalty, inventors, dancers, painters, and authors from various time periods over the past century. Names like Janis Joplin and Erno Rubik sat next to Ernest Hemingway and Jacques Cousteau, making the conception of celebrity one that is fluid and diverse; The Celebrity Persona not only recognizes the difficulty in identifying what exactly makes a famous person, but forces the viewer to consider the question as well. Next time you're heading for a quick dinner at Richtree Market Restaurant or just passing through the district to visit your bank, be sure to check out the exhibit. The Celebrity Persona Allen Lambert Galleria at BCE Place 181 Bay Street, Toronto April 30 - May 25, 2007 Daily 8AM - 10PM
Annie Leibovitz Exhibit Wall 
Image by Carl_C This exhibit of Annie Leibovitz' latter works is an exceptional show. It includes her personal family and friends' photos as well as her images from professional work with celebrities. Of course, you will see her famous images of a pregnant Demi Moore and other significant shots. Most people remember her work with Rolling Stone. Some people are surprised to see that she has done some landscape work, too. Near the end of the exhibit in the last room, one can see these grand landscape works of the Southwest in which are easily reminiscent to Ansel Adams' work, also displayed on special exhibit at the Corcoran Gallery of Art. What I really enjoyed are her personal collection of family photos. You get a glimpse about her life and how she sees her family members and dear friends, like Susan Sontag. Very cool stuff! Location: Washington, DC, US
