Photo: House Calls with my Camera  
May 15, 2010 to October 11, 2010 @ The ROM
© Dr Mark Nowaczynski. All rights reserved. 

by Kait Fowlie
My sister and I ventured to the ROM this week to check out the new exhibit House Calls with my Camera: Social Documentary Portraits by Dr. Mark Nowaczynski. The exhibit consists of 36 black and white photos taken of his own house bound patients, shedding light on the astonishing lack of home care available to the elderly population Dr. Nowaczynski tends to. Check out the never before seen photo’s while the exhibit is on from May 15th to October 11th  on Level 2 in the Hilary and Galen Weston Wing of the ROM.

I was first introduced to the self proclaimed “photographic nerd” by his 2006 documentary film “House Calls” – which won a Gemini for Best Social/Political Documentary Program. With the same goal as his photography, Nowacynski’s film reveals the often invisible world of his enduring elderly patients, who would “fall through the cracks” if he didn’t come to them. His work is testament to his belief that if you see an injustice being committed, you aren’t an observer, but a participant.

I’d be lying if I said this photography exhibit is the most cheerful thing I’ve ever seen – the social issue at hand isn’t exactly marshmallows and lollipops. However, the personalities Nowacynski has captured on film and photo are all extraordinary individuals who have stories to rival even the finest I’ve heard among my social circle at any party (and that my friends, is a momentous claim). The picture’s speak volumes about the featured personalities and their struggles. The ROM is helping bring these issues to light by hosting this exhibit for the rest of the summer and fall. Show our older generation some lovin and stop by. It’s a photo journey well worth exploring.