We learned from Peter Fetterman of the passing of the great American photographer Kurt Markus. Peter shared these few words :
“I consider it a gift to have found photography and made my life in it.
I never thought of it as a job. I’ve always associated the click of the shutter with the word “Yes”.'” ~ Kurt Markus
Dear Friends,
It is with heavy heart that we announce the passing of our great friend and artist, Kurt Markus. An extraordinary man, an extraordinary talent.
Rest In Peace, Kurt.
Peace and love,
Peter
Back in November 2020, Kurt Markus: A Life In Photography, at Staley-Wise New York was the first exhibition in a long time I was able to physically visit, finally stepping away from isolation and computer screens.
Among other things, the beauty of his images of the open spaces of the American West was a stark contrast to what had been our daily life in the city for all those months.
It was breath of fresh air and a pure delight.
Below is the feature we published at the time. – GD
From the Archives :
Staley – Wise Gallery presents Kurt Markus : A Life In Photography. This is Kurt Markus’ sixth exhibition at the gallery. If you are in New York, run to it.! Let alone the beauty of the images, but also, Kurt Markus has printed and toned each gelatin silver photograph in the exhibition by himself in his personal darkroom, something increasingly rare in the photographic world. He is a master printer and the quality of his prints is evident in this exhibition. This is something that you can’t experience on a computer screen. – GD
Kurt Markus was born in Montana in 1947 and lived there for most of his life until his recent move to Santa Fe. His deep western roots are reflected in his photographs.
Among his varied subjects are landscape, dunes, fashion, travel, and portraiture, all of which are photographed with his unique and highly developed personal style.
His photographs of present-day cowboys going about their tasks in a vast landscape are a throwback to an earlier time. His portraits of boxers and the community in rural Mississippi are deeply humanist and are portrayed with a rare warmth and compassion.
The style and wit of Kurt Markus’ fashion photographs show another dimension of his work, where models are people and not just mannequins, and contribute their personality to these photographs. His nudes are sensual and graceful and always beautiful. His career as a totality encompasses multiple genres of photography, all of which reflect his personal warmth and love of humanity in all its aspects.
Kurt Markus’ body of work includes the publication of books After Barbed Wire, Buckaroo, and Cowpuncher, as well as working along with his son Ian on various film projects such as It’s About You, a John Mellencamp documentary, and the award-winning screenplay Deep Six. He has worked for major publications such as Vanity Fair, GQ, Rolling Stone, Travel + Leisure, The New York Times Magazine, Outside, Esquire, Condé Nast Traveler, People, and Vogue, among others.
Kurt Markus : A Life In Photography
November 19, 2020 – January 16, 2021
Staley – Wise Gallery
100 Crosby Street
New NY 10012
www.staleywise.com
To ensure the safety of the visitors and staff, the gallery is open Tuesday – Saturday by appointment only until further notice. Appointments can be made by calling or emailing the gallery, or by clicking here.
