There was a time when spectators could stroll through mental asylums to ogle patients of former renown. Today, this ghoulish urge is satisfied by paparazzi who hover amid the wreckage of fame like corpse flies. With the release of Amy, Asif Kapadia's poignant documentary about Amy Winehouse, folks can reconsider the enormous talent that was all but drowned out by that infernal buzzing. Lovers of that voice — and that fearsome wisp of a woman — will discover ever greater nuance through "Amy Winehouse: A Family Portrait." This exhibition, curated in part by Winehouse's brother, includes old family photos, Winehouse's first guitar, her record collection, her clothes, and intimate stories about a little Jewish girl from Southgate whose lyrics have been studied at Cambridge. An adjoining gallery features artwork inspired by Winehouse's life and work. In addition to two tribute concerts, the museum is hosting some truly inspired talks during the exhibit's run, including Ed Hardy on Winehouse's tattoos, Greil Marcus on her interpretive genius, and Bernie Steinberg on addiction as viewed through the Talmud.
"A Family Portrait" opens at 11 a.m. through Nov. 1 at the Contemporary Jewish Museum, 736 Mission St., S.F. $12; 415-655-7800 or thecjm.org.
415-655-7800
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