Photo exhibition examines cigarette smoking

September 11, 2007

The College of Fine Arts School of Art and Art History presents “Up in Smoke — A Dying Breed,” a photo exhibition starting Monday in the Focus Gallery at the University of Florida.

Randy Batista, a UF alumnus and Gainesville artist, produces a photo exhibition that examines cigarette smokers and the serious issues surrounding the controversial habit.

“Up in Smoke” reflects both literal and figurative interpretations of smoking. Smoking vastly increases the risk of death from cardiovascular disease and lung cancer. At the same time, the rate of smoking in developed countries is declining because of education and a change in attitudes.

In the past, smokers were depicted as glamorous, suave, Hollywood heroes. Now, through the changes in attitudes, smokers have become outcasts, relegated to smoking in designated areas, at distances, or not at all. The paragon has become the pariah.

As a young child, Batista’s Cuban parents smoked filterless cigarettes. Like many others, they quit once the health hazards became apparent, but smoking still remained a feature of his home. Yayo, Randy’s grandfather, was a cigar roller in Ybor City, and he died of throat cancer.

Batista said his Aunt Irene, an intelligent, humorous, force of a woman, “smoked like a chimney” for most of her adult life. She died of emphysema, hooked to an oxygen tank, “still desperate for just one more drag.”

Batista will give a lecture coinciding with a reception at 5 p.m. Oct. 12. An open public reception for exhibits in the three College of Fine Arts galleries will include live music, food and beverages from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The exhibit continues through Oct. 19.