Ready, Set, Go at the Photo Book Speed Date at PAMM

A favorite photo or art book is the focus of sharing in quick, timed rotations in “Photo Book Speed Date.” (Photo courtesy of Josh Aronson)

It was October of 2022, when, during an exhibition of his work, Miami-based photographer Josh Aronson got an idea in an effort to attract more people to come and see his work.

“I mounted an exhibition at Baker–Hall Art (formerly Club Gallery) in Miami. I remembered a speed date artist talk I’d attended years earlier, hosted by the incredible photographer Shaniqwa Jarvis in New York. I loved the format and thought, ‘What if you removed the stage and made the format democratic?’ I figured everyone in the arts has at least one photo or art book they treasure.”

Miami-based photographer Josh Aronson hosts “Photo Book Speed Date.” (Photo courtesy of the artist)

He invited people to the gallery with a photography or art book in hand in a speed-date style format.

It worked. On Thursday, July 3 from 6 to 8 p.m., Aronson brings “Photo Book Speed Date” to Thursdays at PAMM (Pérez Art Museum Miami), the first time he’ll host his artist-led program at a museum.

“Last year, I brought it to Green Space Miami, and then hosted it in New York with MANUAL. Now it’s coming to a museum for the first time and I couldn’t be more excited.”

So is the means the book, and the end your dream date?

“Not exactly,” says Aronson. “It borrows from the traditional speed dating format, without the romantic expectations. Instead, it’s about connecting through a shared love of art and photo books. You bring your favorite and share it with someone across from you. They’ll share theirs, too. By the end of the night, you’ve met a ton of new people, seen dozens of art and photo books you might not have had access to, and had real conversations rooted in curiosity, enthusiasm, and a love of art and photography.”

And there are matches made, in some respect.

“Photo Book Speed Date,” designed to spark connection through a shared love of photo and art books, mimics the format of a traditional speed date—without the romance. (Photo courtesy of Josh Aronson)

“The idea of a ‘match’ is really flexible. I’ve seen artists meet curators, photographers meet printers, and even mentees find mentors. I intentionally open the night to everyone––from students to collectors, from gallery people to appreciators—because the potential for connection is bigger when everyone’s in the room together,” says the creator.

There’s never a charge to participate and Aronson hopes to keep in that way.

Art and photography books can be expensive or hard to get your hands on. I love that ‘Photo Book Speed Date’ creates a space where we can share access—where one person’s bookshelf becomes everyone’s inspiration, even if just for an evening.”

WHAT: Photo Book Speed Date

WHERE: Pérez Art Museum Miami, 1103 Biscayne Blvd., Miami

WHEN: 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, July 3

COST: Programming on terrace is free, but RSVP necessary;  Admission to the galleries is $18 for adults and free for PAMM members

INFORMATION:  (305) 375-3000 and www.pamm.org

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