LIFE CHANGING IMAGES

BY DAN MILLER
July 18, 2006

As I walked toward the entrance to the exhibition of Pulitzer Prize winning photographs, the volunteer worker standing there offered a word of caution.

"Hardly anyone comes out of that exhibit without crying", she said.
She paused, then added.... "It's very emotional."

Sure, I thought.
I've been in the news business for decades.... I've seen pictures and video of most everything.
In fact -- I figured -- I'd likely already seen most of the pictures in this exhibit.

Across the hall, an art workshop for young kids was taking place.
That was the reason my wife and I had come to the Frist Center that day.

So while our daughter worked on her projects with the other kids and instructors, we walked over to the Pulitzer exhibit.... and that's when I was given that word of caution.

Now I must tell you.... I have seen many art and photography exhibits at the Frist and other places.... but, by the time we left, I knew I had never experienced any exhibit -- anywhere -- packing more of an emotional wallop than this one.

I truly believe walking through those rooms -- and experiencing the more than 130 photographs dating back to 1942 -- can change a person's life.

You'll see split second images of unspeakable cruelty and horror....
You'll seen snapshots showing the sheer exhilaration of personal triumph....
You'll see extraordinary heroism and improbable compassion.
You'll see images of brief moments in time that changed the world.

I've simply never seen a more powerful collection of images anywhere.

I have no stake in endorsing this exhibition.... but, don't miss it.
It is called, "The Pulitzer Prize Photographs: Capture the Moment"....
It's at the Frist Center downtown through August 20th.
(The exhibit has ended in Nashville, but if it comes to your town, don't miss it)
Don't plan on rushing.

And a word of caution.... it's very emotional.

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