Central Park is clearly one of the most photographed locations in the world. Tourist photographs and cell phone images have captured each vista and monument, making it a challenge to reveal something new. From 2011 to 2018 I made numerous visits to the park without a plan, or preconceived notion of what I hoped to capture. I responded to the landscape and how it was defined by the changing light and the urban backdrop that borders the park. I looked for compelling views and unique encounters that I felt would make successful photographs, regardless of the location where taken.
It was only in retrospect that I realized that this visual diary, made over the years, had revealed the diversity of the landscape through the seasons along with the impact of significant urban development. If I have succeeded, this selection of photographs has brought to life my vision of Central Park and the many ways the park enhances the quality of city life.
Arthur Nager, October, 2018
“ In Arthur Nager’s photographs architecture stands as a backdrop and plays as counterpoint to the natural setting. The images were not conceived as a documentation of the landscape nor of the activities that take place there. Rather it is a collection derived by an accretion of impressions driven by a wish to find material for serious photographs. That impulse harks back to and echoes the very sensibility that gave rise to lush private parks – that of a painterly sensibility.”
Bruce Glaser, October 2018
Loni Efron is an entrepreneur, archivist, curator, collector and database engineer. In 1996 she founded ilon and Co., one of the nation’s first archive consulting firms working with top artists including Annie Leibovitz, Joel Meyerowitz, David LaChapelle and Keith Richards. Loni Efron designed and engineered iArchive and the iDatabase suite of asset management software. In 2014 she founded ilon Art Gallery and art advisory.
ilon Art Gallery is a boutique art gallery specializing in 20th century and contemporary photography. The gallery is located in the heart of historic Harlem in a classic 1890’s brownstone. The gallery exhibits works from emerging to top photographers. The gallery creates a warm wonderful setting to create unique experiences.
Arthur Nager received a MFA degree in photography from Visual Studies Workshop in 1976 and a BA from the University of Rochester in 1970. During this time he worked at the George Eastman House, International Museum of Photography. Nager became Director of the Photography Program at the University of Bridgeport with the responsibility of developing both a fine art and commercial curriculum. He has had solo exhibitions at the University of Bridgeport Art Gallery including a number of collaborative projects with photography critic, A.D. Coleman. Arthur Nager was awarded a National Endowment for the Humanities Grant for study at Columbia University.
Arthur Nager – Central Park Photographs 2011–2018
October 12, 2018 – November 16, 2018
Ilon Art Gallery
204 West 123rd Street
New York, NY 10027
Also you can join for: Sunday in the Park With Art is a two Part Session to Explore Central Park Shooting Sunday October 20, 2018 from 11-3 PM Review November 6 from 5:30-6:30 included and A Gallery Tour with Arthur Nager Wednesday, November 6, 2018 from 6-8:30 PM (photo review from central park experience 5:30-6:30) (Free) RSVP: [email protected]
