
Polish-born artist Piotr UklaÅ?ski’s series “The Joy of Photography” (1997-2007) lovingly embraces kitsch. Inspired by Eastman Kodak’s 1979 how-to guide for amateur photographers—a clichéd but telling insight into American popular taste—the resulting photographs, which comprise half of the works in the exhibition, closely resemble stock images. And yet, the ironic and playful pictures, like an extended exposure of a gushing waterfall (2001) or a screensaver-esque sunset over the ocean (2000), convey a sincere love of the medium and an inborn sense of humor. Concurrently on view is an eclectic and perverse “artist’s choice” installation handpicked by UklaÅ?ski of 60 photographs from the Met’s collection, as well as 20 works culled from 11 other curatorial departments (through Jun. 14).