Twofers at the Corcoran

Continuing our coverage of cheap culture in the District, we offer today an art exhibit that’s ever-so timely: “Portraits of Power” at the Corcoran. Sure, you’ve likely heard of this Richard Avedon photo retrospective, as it’s been highly promoted since opening way back in September.

But! For January only, the spendy Corcoran is offering 2-for-1 admission to the Avedon exhibit, which usually costs $14 per adult. So if you’re lazy like Noah and me—who have been meaning to go but just this past weekend got around to it—you’re in luck. Just make sure you print a coupon from the Corcoran’s website before going (and do so soon; it closes Jan. 25).

As for the exhibit, I heartily endorse it (and would have been happy to pony up full admission). Touring Avedon’s five decades as portrait photographer was remarkable, from Civil Rights activists to young and embattled politicians (including most presidents since Eisenhower), Malcolm X to the Dalai Lama.

For me, one corner stuck out particularly: a close-up of a severely wounded Napalm victim adjacent to a crazed, grinning mugshot of the “most decorated soldier in Vietnam.” Another spot that stuck out, for a less profound reason: The above photo of writer Dorothy Parker, which is what I worry will happen to my eyes after years of deadlines and over-consumption of the Internet.

And of course, the exhibit makes for an apropos inauguration-weekend activity, particularly because the final portrait is one of a very everyman-looking Barack Obama in 2004, the year Avedon died.

Photo via the Met