If you’re looking for an art exhibition that will make you see everyday materials in a whole new way, mark your calendar. The George Eastman Museum will present the bite in the ribbon—a paper show, a solo exhibition by artist Erica Baum, on view from November 22, 2025, through June 7, 2026.

This marks Baum’s first solo museum exhibition, showcasing her fascinating blend of photography, poetry, and collage. Through folding, cropping, and recontextualizing printed materials, Baum transforms familiar words and images into something completely new—inviting visitors to slow down, look closer, and find meaning in the unexpected.

A Fresh Look at Language and Image

“Erica Baum has long been an influential figure in contemporary art and poetry,” said Daniel Peacock, Assistant Curator in the Department of Photography at the George Eastman Museum. “Her work explores how the instability of language and meaning fuels creativity. At a museum dedicated to photography, her approach opens up exciting cross-disciplinary connections.”

The exhibition brings together several of Baum’s ongoing series, offering a panoramic view of her evolving practice. Expect to see early works alongside her latest projects, including never-before-seen pieces.

What You’ll See

In the museum’s Potter Peristyle, Baum’s celebrated Dog Ear series takes center stage. In this work, Baum folds the pages of found books—yes, like an actual dog-eared page—to create new intersections between text and image. Each fold becomes a tiny poem or visual puzzle, born from the pages of old books.

Meanwhile, in the Project Gallery, visitors will find Baum’s more recent explorations of fashion and craft culture in her Patterns and Fabrications series. Using vintage sewing patterns, catalogs, and magazines, Baum reimagines domestic imagery through color, shape, and wordplay. The result? A nostalgic yet thought-provoking look at everyday printed materials.

Special Events

• Artist Talk with Erica Baum
  🗓 Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 6 p.m.
  🎟 Free for members and students with ID; $15 for nonmembers.
  Tickets are available online and at the door.

• Members-Only Exhibition Tour with Erica Baum
  🗓 Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 6 p.m.
  🎟 Members only; advance reservations required.

About the George Eastman Museum

Located on the historic Rochester estate of George Eastman, the founder of Kodak, the George Eastman Museum is the world’s oldest photography museum and home to one of the largest film archives in the United States. The museum holds more than 400,000 photographs, 31,000 films, and countless objects celebrating the history of photography and motion pictures.

For more information on current exhibitions and events, visit eastman.org.

This content has not been sponsored.*

Interested in your news getting featured on the rocthecitywithhope blog? Add Hope to your media list! Hope@ROCthecitywithHope.com