Luisa Lambri travels the world recording the subtleties of architectural domestic interiors. Portrait is a selection of photographs of the Gardner which explores Lambri’s relationship to space, light, memory, and to Isabella Stewart Gardner’s powerful and imaginative universe. Three independent hangings will take place in the Fenway Gallery during the run of the show (January 19 - October 15, 2012): the first in the Winter, the second in the Spring and Summer, and the third in the Fall. This will allow the public to reflect on the changing conditions of light that are such a distinctive characteristic of the museum and of Lambri's work.

In addition to the exhibition, Lambri has created an artist book, which features a selection of Lambri's lyrical photographic studies of the Museum's unique spaces, and a body of work that functions metaphorically as both a portrait of the artist and of Isabella Gardner. The photographs are sequenced among extended excerpts from the diary of the museum's architect Willard T. Sears (1837-1920), written during the time of the construction of the historic building. This artist book is on view in the Fenway Gallery and is available for purchase in the museum shop.

Luisa Lambri first came to the Gardner as an Artist-in- Residence in 2008. Lambri returned to the Gardner Museum three times to photograph during different periods of the year.

Luisa Lambri: Portrait is made possible in part by The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. The Gardner Museum receives operating support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Luisa Lambri’s residency was made possible in part by the Nimoy Foundation, the Thomas A. Pappas Charitable Foundation, and The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts.