Tag: Visual Arts

Melvin Hollins: The Observer ?>

Melvin Hollins: The Observer

Melvin Hollins: The Observer
October 15th – November 20th, 2026
Reception: Thursday, October 15th, 6–8 pm
Exhibition talk: Tuesday, October 20th, 6 pm
The Ildiko Butler Gallery and the Susan Lipani Gallery at Lincoln Center.
Curators: Stephan Apicella-Hitchcock and Jude Hollins

Fordham University is pleased to announce Melvin Hollins: The Observer, a photography exhibition taking place simultaneously in the Ildiko Butler Gallery and the Susan Lipani Gallery at Lincoln Center. The accompanying catalog, Melvin Hollins: The Observer, is available on our imprint, Hayden’s Books, as a 298-page, 5″ x 8″ print-on-demand publication with an introduction by Stephan Apicella-Hitchcock and an essay by Jude Hollins.

Melvin Hollins was an African-American armed forces veteran, a Fordham University Lincoln Center Ram, and a gifted street photographer who compassionately recorded the social fabric of New York throughout the 1970s. This exhibition presents 18 framed archival prints made from scanned B&W negatives in the Ildiko Butler Gallery, and 133 5″ x 8″ pages from the book Melvin Hollins: The Observer, encircling the entire Susan Lipani Gallery in the Visual Arts Complex.

For over two years, curator Stephan Apicella-Hitchcock worked with Melvin Hollins’ son, Jude Hollins, to edit down 2,600 images for this exhibition and book. The images span the geography of New York City and the diverse cultures that call it home. Hollins’ photographs range from direct portraits to candid impressions made from afar, and to images that record the quotidian details of everyday life in New York—buildings, streets, parades, contests, marches, playgrounds, and beyond. Melvin Hollins was a visual omnivore, interested in learning about everything happening in our city through photography.

Melvin Hollins’ photographs clearly reflect his studies at Fordham in art, history, sociology, philosophy, and psychology. He conscientiously explored themes of race, pride, innocence, alienation, class, and social structures; however, despite the gravity of his topics, his imagery is subtle and joyous, never dogmatic. Regardless of what Melvin Hollins pointed his camera at, his photographs are marked by attentiveness to form and suffused with empathy and kindness. In particular, his images of children are extraordinary for the complexity and range of emotions they depict.

The title of the exhibition and book, Melvin Hollins: The Observer, is both a description of Melvin’s photographic practice and a nod to our outstanding student newspaper, The Observer, whose photographs demonstrate extraordinary documentary reportage, as did Melvin’s. Lastly, but significantly, the color theme for this exhibition is based on the 1970s New York license plate and subway signage—and yes, that is Denzel Washington as a student on stage in the Pope Auditorium.

An exhibition talk on Tuesday, October 20th, 6 pm, will include Jude Hollins and Fordham photography professors Stephan Apicella-Hitchcock, Patrice Helmar, Joseph Lawton, Anibal Pella-Woo, and Dan Wilner.

This exhibition was installed by Gallery Programmer Vincent Stracquadanio and is a collaboration between the Visual Arts Program, the Theatre Program, the Center for Community Engaged Learning, the Office of the Dean, and the Estate of Melvin Hollins.

Films Worth Talking About, Even If Difficult: All About Lily Chou-Chou Raffle Prize ?>

Films Worth Talking About, Even If Difficult: All About Lily Chou-Chou Raffle Prize

The Fordham University Office of the Dean’s series, Films Worth Talking About, Even If Difficult, strives to make film viewings communal, stimulating, and rewarding experiences. Accordingly, two lucky cinephiles who attended the 9/28 screening at Rose Hill of Shunji Iwai’s All About Lily Chou-Chou won the raffle and will soon receive the much-coveted circa-2000 Sony Walkman D-EJ611 in Purple/Blue that Yūichi uses in the movie. Inside the player is, of course, the ethereal Ayako Mori/Takeshi Kobayashi soundtrack for the film. This moody J-Dreampop should take them right back to when they were 14 and felt life so intensely, as the film’s characters did.

The discussion after the screening was wonderfully spirited, with opinions backed by specific observations about the cinematography, sound, character development, and the historical time frame. Students intuitively understood the protagonist’s dual lives on Internet 1.0 chat boards in the 2000s and connected that element to their junior high school years during COVID. As you would imagine, everyone understood the harmful effects of bullying depicted in the film and the importance of being an active upstander for oneself and others in the face of persecution.

Hearing our students reflect on complex films, substantiate their observations, and disagree politely is always impressive. If this sounds intriguing to you, please join us on November 10 at 6 pm for the next film in the series, the extraordinary Paris Is Burning, at the Lincoln Center campus in the Visual Arts Complex Screening Room SL24L.

And remember:

—Stephan Apicella-Hitchcock

Films Worth Talking About, Even If Difficult presents: All About Lily Chou-Chou ?>

Films Worth Talking About, Even If Difficult presents: All About Lily Chou-Chou

This fall at Rose Hill: Films Worth Talking About, Even If Difficult presents:

All About Lily Chou-Chou, 2002, directed by Shunji Iwai

Monday, September 28, 6 pm, Rose Hill, Walsh Library Flom Auditorium (lower level)

Panelists: Associate Professor of Psychology Haruka Minami, Adjunct Professor of Visual Art, Vincent Stracquadanio, moderated by Stephan Apicella-Hitchcock, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education, Arts & Sciences

Open to all. With snacks and a raffle prize.

First up this fall is the very beautiful and challenging 2002 film by Shunji Iwai, All About Lily Chou-Chou. It’s an emotionally demanding film about 14-year-olds in Japan during the post-bubble years that understands and does not simplify the challenges of bullying and growing up, regardless of nationality. How can a movie about such tough topics look and sound so gorgeous? For kids around the world, music is often a saving grace when the anxiety of teenage life becomes too much to bear. The young adults in this film find refuge in the music of Lily Chou-Chou, a Björk-like chanteuse whose music provides respite from the harsh challenges of growing up. (A fake band, comprising Salyu and Kobayashi from Mr. Children, was created to compose the film’s music under the name “Lily Chou-Chou”).

About the 2026-2027 Film Series:

This season, Films Worth Talking About, Even If Difficult, has expanded its programming into a broader interpretive territory. “Difficult Films” is not limited to films that are emotionally challenging or politically provocative; it can also refer to visually experimental, sonically demanding, historically complex, or temporally shifting films. Ultimately, the series is a cinematic pretext for gathering, eating, and talking—a communal exercise in which we discuss, discover, and sometimes disagree—all of which are part of the experience.

The Office of the Arts & Sciences Dean invites you to step outside your regular streaming queue, experience something different, and join a community of curious film lovers throughout the year. Please bring your friends, an open mind, and have a question ready. Additionally, to sweeten the deal, we offer raffle items connected to the film. By participating, you could walk away with a special prize AND a different perspective.

Diversity: Paintings by Robert Allen ?>

Diversity: Paintings by Robert Allen

Diversity: Paintings by Robert Allen

RECEPTION June 11th at 6pm 

The Fordham University Galleries
Ildiko Butler Gallery
June 5 – August 23, 2026
Fordham University at Lincoln Center map
113 West 60th Street at Columbus Avenue
New York, NY 10023
fordhamuniversitygalleries

I prefer to avoid claiming any profound meaning to be found in the images I create. These
paintings are simply meant to be looked at, and it is hoped that they communicate in a purely visual language, not needing a narrative explanation. Either the work captures a viewer’s imagination or it doesn’t. Frankly, unfortunately, some of that ‘art critique stuff’ can be rather pretentious.

However, I do believe creative acts represent attempts to validate self-worth, or a means of documenting one’s existence, announcing that, for a short time, “I was a part of humanity.” So, these paintings are reflections of my imagination, starting usually as doodles, then turning into temporary obsessions. That said, it would be disingenuous not to admit that I am inspired by the works of other artists, often resulting from a ‘throw-back’ to works seen in museums, galleries, books, then trying to prove to myself “I can do that.” A spark ignited by another artist is then transformed into something derived from my own alchemy of psychological history mixing subject matter, color, design, etc., into something a little different, made up of other’s ideas, but resulting in ‘art’ which I am uniquely responsible for.

This explains why these works seem to lack any central style or theme. I like the challenge of “differences” and not just in art. So, if this exhibit represents anything more than viewers getting lost in the visual language of art, and escaping into something perhaps personally “meaningful,” let it applaud the theme of diversity – an openness to recombining concepts and how we think, transforming old ideas into something a little different, which inherently requires and welcomes sharing, a process which often brings about something positive and worthwhile because it emanates from a collective inspiration. I am happy to share this work, a small contribution, created during my time of ‘being a part of humanity.’

Bob Allen
June 2026

Fordham Student Book Release: “Case Study Tokyo 2026” Volumes 1 & 2 ?>

Fordham Student Book Release: “Case Study Tokyo 2026” Volumes 1 & 2

I am thrilled to announce the publication of Case Study Tokyo 2026 by our student researchers: Deborah Adebanjo, Julie Casamonti, Cagla Cetin, Annabelle Hochberg, Grayson Howes, Camille Majzun, Lulu Marino, Xavier Oyola, Nicole Phillips, Sophia Puccini, Jack Reynard, Kate Schweiger, Lily Sood, Emily Terrell, Chelsy Veras, Samuel Wachter, Caroline Walkup, and Dylan Wright.

Clocking in at 760 pages across two volumes, it is the most extensive research collection in the sixteen-year history of the class. You will be able to view the books in our library soon; however, in the meantime, please enjoy a full preview of Case Study Tokyo 2026 Volume 1 and Case Study Tokyo 2026 Volume 2 online.

As stated in the book’s acknowledgments, “I would like to thank the students who have participated in this course. Looking at the images in this book transports me immediately back to Tokyo. Your efforts are undeniable, and your observations are numerous, thoughtful, and provocative. And when I say numerous, you certainly know what I mean—as you are now in the final pages of volume two!”

So, Rams: Deborah, Julie, Cagla, Annabelle, Grayson, Camille, Lulu, Xavier, Nicole, Sophia, Jack, Kate, Lily, Emily, Chelsy, Samuel, Caroline, and Dylan—

皆どうもうありがとうございました！ Thank you all so very much!

Sound Stories ?>

Sound Stories

In VART 2222 Art of the Interview, students record interviews with community members who discuss the past, present and future of the Lincoln Square neighborhood, which was demolished in the 1950’s to build Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Fordham College at Lincoln Center, and other developments.

This Fall 2025 class was generously supported by funding and staff at Fordham’s Center for Community Engaged Learning

On Wednesday December 17th, the Fall 2025 class presented videos highlighting various stories at Good Shepherd Faith Presbyterian Church, where many interviewees are members:

This short film by Nora Kinney features interviews with Freddie Richardson, Humberto Pichardo, Jackie Brown Richardson and Tanisha Hill

Good Shepherd-Faith Presbyterian Church, by the way, is the last standing church to predate the Lincoln Center urban renewal project that demolished the rest of the neighborhood, and has a rich civil rights history.

Video by Ayden Suber, featuring a story told by Huberto Pichardo

Lauren Vaughn and Kylie O’Toole made this video from an interview with longtime Lincoln Square community member, Mr. Freddie Richardson

Phillip (Rohde) Costello created this piece from interviews with Freddie Richardson and Humberto Pichardo.

Here is Amanda video featuring stories told by Freddie Richardson and Tanisha L. Hill.

Sage Rochetti’s video features stories by Freddie Richardson and Tanisha L. Hill.

Documentary Photography: Italy 2026! ?>

Documentary Photography: Italy 2026!

Each year, students from this class put together and publish a book of photography. You can see 2025’s book here!

We encourage students with a passion for travel and photography to apply for this course. No prior experience required. Please notes that a digital camera will be provided for the duration of the class.

Program Dates: June 3rd – June 28th, 2026
Program Cost: $4,150 + Tuition (This includes housing, excursions, health insurance, and local transportation.)

Application Deadlines:

Priority Deadline: January 15, 2026
Final Deadline: February 1, 2026

To find out more about our Summer in Rome program, click here.
The 2025 Summer Session One Documentary Photography: Italy class book ?>

The 2025 Summer Session One Documentary Photography: Italy class book

Dear photography lovers and patrons of the arts,

I am proud to announce the release of the 2025 Summer Session One Documentary Photography: Italy class book. At 150 pages, Annamo is Roman for Let’s Go!, is a pleasure to behold. The volume is rich in variety and sharp in perception, thanks to the class participants’ clever brains, quick wits, and indefatigable feet. Also, all those espressi certainly helped.

Çağla, Katherine, Molly, Cat, Bailey, Camille, Grace, and Chelsy—Rome may seem like a beautiful and distant dream at this point in the fall; however, by the time you are several pages into your book, you will undoubtedly hear the clanging of church bells and clinking of espresso cups, smell the glorious truffle pasta (that’s Orvieto, actually), and be transported back to our beloved Eternal City of summer 2025. The phrase “Experiential Learning” frequently pops up in academia, but now it probably makes much more sense after all that glorious gelato.

Your over-caffeinated-image-obsessed guide, Stephano Apicella, would like to invite you to the book release party on Thursday, October 30th, 5 pm in Keating 1st (just before the screening of The Exorcist at 6 pm). Come see your images on the big screen, billboard-sized, and enjoy all your smart & hard work. In the meantime, if you can’t wait, you can preview your entire book here. Enjoy!

Grazie mille!

📸☕🇮🇹👍 Stephano

Films Worth Talking About, Even If Difficult: Halloween Edition: The Exorcist ?>

Films Worth Talking About, Even If Difficult: Halloween Edition: The Exorcist

The Office of the Arts & Sciences Dean and the Visual Arts Program present:
Films Worth Talking About, Even If Difficult: Halloween Edition: The Exorcist

The Exorcist

Directed in 1973 by William Friedkin, based on the 1971 novel by William Peter Blatty.
Thursday, October 30th, 6 pm, Rose Hill Keating 1st. All are welcome, so invite your friends. Pizza will be served on the early side.

Featuring:

Dr. Rachel Annunziato, Professor of Psychology, Vice Dean for Arts & Sciences; Father David Marcotte, S.J., Associate Professor of Psychology. Stephan Apicella-Hitchcock, Clinical Professor, Head of the Visual Arts Program, Dean Fellow, will moderate if things heat up. Two randomly chosen lucky winners will take home a terrifying prize.

About the film:
The Exorcist is a horror film released in 1973, directed by William Friedkin and written by William Peter Blatty, who adapted the screenplay from his 1971 novel of the same name. The story chronicles a single mother’s struggle to save her daughter from a mysterious ailment later revealed to be…

Spoiler alert—read no further!

…demonic possession. She enlists the help of two Roman Catholic priests, who attempt to perform an exorcism. The Exorcist was a massive commercial success, bringing in $428 million in its box-office run. It also earned 10 Academy Award nominations, including for best picture and director (the film would win two Oscars, for sound design and adapted screenplay). The Exorcist is a stylistic landmark for the supernatural horror genre and widely considered one of the greatest—and most unsettling—horror movies ever made.

Beyond the highly viceral and disturbing nature of the film, it is also a story about the challenges of modern medicine, the power of faith, doubt, sacrifice, redemption, love, and—of course, it is also about adult anxiety regarding teenage sexuality, loss of identity, motherhood, and the disintegration of the American family—you know, scary stuff—oh, and pea soup (you will know what I mean later).About the series:

For the Films Worth Talking About, Even If Difficult film series, we ask professors, administrators, and staff from across the university to present significant films to the Fordham community that might be unfamiliar or challenging. At screenings, we enjoy pizza together, watch a film, and then discuss it afterward.

As the series title suggests, the films selected, both old and new, are not always easy to digest or understand, and would benefit from thoughtful unpacking by people familiar with the film’s content. Our guest leaders guide attendees in exploring the film’s themes, characters, context, social impact, and stylistic choices. Ultimately, this is a communal exercise where we discuss, discover, and disagree sometimes—which is all part of the experience.

The Office of the Arts & Sciences Dean invites you to step outside your regular streaming queue, experience something different, and join a community of curious cinephiles throughout the year. Please bring your friends, an open mind, and be ready with a question. Additionally, to sweeten the deal, we offer raffle items connected to the film. You could walk away with a special prize AND a different point of view.

Up Next:

Coming in November is Mati Diop’s film, Dahomey, with special guests Associate Professor of African & African American Studies Professor Laurie Lambert and Associate Professor of Art History Maria Ruvoldt.

Previously:

Akira, directed in 1988 by Katsuhiro Otomo, and based on his 1982 manga Akira.
Sponsored by the FitzSimons Civics and Civility Initiative in collaboration with the Office of the Arts & Sciences Dean and the Visual Arts Program
Faculty panelists: Nushelle de Silva, Assistant Professor of Art History; Terrence Mosley, Adjunct Professor, Theatre Program; Anthony A. Berry, FitzSimons Fellow; and Stephan Apicella-Hitchcock, Clinical Professor, Head of the Visual Arts Program