When people think of the Amish and Mennonites, images of rural landscapes, simple living, and dark, solid colors come to mind. However, different denominations of Anabaptists travel to Pinecraft, a small community in Sarasota, Florida, to escape the winter.
“Where the Amish Vacation,” an exhibition of photographs by Dina Litovsky, is on display at the Dishman Art Museum through Nov. 4.
In the images, the Anabaptist trade their iconic buggies for modified golf carts, proving that even the most devout can indulge in high-tech fun. The women spend sun-soaked days at Siesta Beach playing volleyball, biking, golf carting, tanning and exploring the vibrant boardwalk, blending traditional values with a dash of modern flair.
Ukrainian native Litovsky was assigned to Pinecraft for a weekend by The New Yorker magazine and said she fell in love with the project and was fascinated by the intersection of Amish tradition and modernity.
Litvosky traveled to Pinecraft several more times to document the Amish in a different light. Her interest in group behavior led her to capture moments where the Amish and Mennonites are relaxed, showing a different, less serious side of themselves.
In a BBC interview, Litvosky said that as a woman she was able to interact and connect with the Amish women, gaining their trust and leading Litvosky to capture moments no one else could.
Litvosky usually documents American culture and its social dynamics, focusing on the ideas of leisure and subcultures, to connect with others and have a better understanding of cultures many are not a part of. But “Where the Amish Vacation” is out of her usual scope, she said, as she had not previously documented any religious subcultures.
“(Litvosky’s work) is a remarkable exploration of the Amish community, skillfully capturing the nuances of their leisure time with both respect and authenticity,” Dishman curator Dennis Kiel said. “By capturing the Amish and Mennonites in a way not many people know of, each photograph shows a unique way of leisure when on vacation, inviting us to appreciate and have a deeper understanding of a subculture.”
Kiel said one of his favorite photos shows the Amish in a light rarely seen — vibrant colored and patterned clothing and a playful rebellion as women play Bocce Ball, a game typically men play, all while receiving support from their husbands, setting a reminder that even in the bounds of tradition, there was some unexpected expressions of individuality.
Another photograph depicts something unexpected. A cheerful family sits together on their front lawn, the vibrant green grass beneath them contrasting with the colorful scene unfolding on the street. They lean back in leisure; smiles are brightening their faces are people pass by.
The warm sunlight bathes the scene, enhancing the sense of togetherness and community, as this family relishes the simple pleasure of shared moments on a beautiful day.
“Where the Amish Vacation” is a wonderful exhibition. Litovsky shows us the Amish community in another light.
The Dishman Art Museum is located at 1030 E. Lavaca on the Lamar University campus. Hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., and Saturday, noon-4 p.m.
For more, visit lamar.edu/ dishman.
