about project b and Barbara Levine
Project b is a world of vintage photographs, found artifacts, art and ideas -the obsession of Barbara Levine, collector, artist and dealer specializing in vernacular photography and unusual collections. She is the author of Finding Frida Kahlo (2009), Around The World: The Grand Tour in Photo Albums (2007), and Snapshot Chronicles: Inventing the American Photo Album (all Princeton Architectural Press). Recently, Levine's collection of early vernacular photograph albums was acquired by the International Center of Photography in New York and her 2002 exhibition, In The Palm of Your Hand: Dexterity Games 1880-1960, featured her rich historical collection of puzzles at the San Francisco Main Public Library. She is the former exhibitions director at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and was the deputy director of The Contemporary Jewish Museum.
At project b you can purchase exceptional vintage photographs and other curiosities, learn about antique dexterity puzzles and visit the gallery for unusual on-line exhibits.
As a long time museum professional, Barbara Levine also offers, as part of project b, curatorial services with a specialization in archives, unusual collections, vernacular photography and artist projects. Barbara's latest book project, Finding Frida Kahlo (Princeton Architectural Press in 2009) was featured in the New York Times. Recent projects include the first ever publications on early vernacular photograph albums. Around The World: The Grand Tour in Photo Albums was released by Princeton Architectural Press in November 2007 and in 2006, Levine's first book Snapshot Chronicles: Inventing the American Photo Album received the prestigious American Institute of Graphic Arts, 50 best book covers of the year award and recently Levine's collection of early vernacular photograph albums was acquired by The International Center of Photography. In 2005, she curated the traveling show Snapshot Chronicles which opened at the the Cooley Gallery at Reed College and then traveled to San Francisco. Also in 2005, she curated Out At the Library - the San Francisco Public Library's celebration of the 10 year anniversary of the James C. Hormel Gay and Lesbian Center and Archive. The exhibition was accompanied by a fully illustrated catalogue, online exhibit, and the exhibition toured to libraries across the country thru 2008.
Barbara was the former Director of Exhibitions at The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and was the Deputy Director of The Contemporary Jewish Museum. Her 2002 exhibition In the Palm of Your Hand: Dexterity Games 1880-1960, featured her rich historical collection of dexterity puzzles at the San Francisco Public Library. Levine is also an assemblage & collage artist and photographer, and has exhibited her work in the United States and abroad.