Peter Fetterman Gallery : The Power of Photography #5

This is the fifth installment of the online series by Peter Fetterman Gallery called the Power of Photography highlighting hope, peace and love in the world. We invite you to enjoy and reflect on these works during this time.

Bernard Plossu

Madrid, 1975

“Sometimes one yearns for some vibrant color in one’s life. There is something so primal in this image. I’m not sure what it is about, but it doesn’t concern me as I try not to over analyze images.

This one just got to me and I wanted to live with it. It energized and moved me and I hope it does you too.”

Weegee (Hungary, b. 1899-1968)

Easter Sunday in Harlem, 1940, printed 1940

“Weegee is generally know for his gritty, violent urban crime scene work rushing to get there before the police arrived, but there is a real tender side to him as evidenced by my favorite image of his… Easter Sunday in Harlem.

A moment of joy, community, relief, happiness and hope. Exactly what we are all wishing for now.”

Bill Brandt (1904-1983)

Housewife, Eastend, London, 1937

“As I said in a previous post, I have always felt all collecting is autobiographical. We are attracted to images that tell part of our story.

I was born in the East End and this could have been my mother. Here again a portrait of great empathy with the magic element of the highlighted wedding ring which helps tell her story.”

Manuel Alvarez Bravo (Mexico, b. 1902-2002)

“The Daydream” / El ensueño, 1931 / Printed c. 1970

“If I were to be cast away on a Desert Island with only 10 photos this would surely be one of them as it goes straight to the heart like a piercing arrow. Its beautiful composition and the soul of the image have haunted me for over 40 years since I first saw it.

It is timeless, eternal. What is she daydreaming about? What are we daydreaming about now in our isolation?

Maestro Don Manuel – thank you.”

Mario Algaze (1947)

Cotton Candy, San Angel, Mexico, 1981/Printed 2005

“I think this is talented Latin photographer Mario Algaze’s greatest image.

I am immediately transported into this woman’s life. It is shot with such tenderness and heart…I am walking just behind her.”

Harry Callahan (1912-1999)

Eleanor and Barbara, Chicago, 1954

“A couple of years before he passed away, I was in Atlanta and had the great pleasure of taking Harry Callahan to dinner. He was so quiet and humble and self-effacing. I had to pinch myself that I was in the presence of one of the great 20th Century photographers.

Here is my favorite photograph of his. A beautiful portrait of his wife and muse, Eleanor, and their daughter, Barbara.”

Bert Hardy (1913-1990)

Maidens in Waiting, 1951

“In an age of social distancing this is one of the great non-social distancing images in the History of Photography.

One can only imagine what the two friends are chatting about. First published in “Picture Post”, the UK equivalent to “Life Magazine,” the woman in the polka dot dress and her friend became instantly famous. She passed away recently after a rich and fulfilling life and requested in her will that she be buried with this dress.”

Arnold Newman (1918-2006)

Violins, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1941 (Printed 1980’s)

“The violin is one of my most favorite sounds to listen to. It is so emotional and heart-wrenching.

I don’t have to turn on any Mozart, Bach or Beethoven to hear it. I just look at Arnold’s image and hear them all. Justly celebrated as one of the great 20th Century portrait photographers, this is a rare gem in his body of work.”

William Klein (1928)

Barber Shop, Rome, 1956

“I was reading today about the booming sales of personal grooming kits and it reminded me of this photo…I just love William Klein, now in his 93rd year.

His energy, his emotional quirkiness, his “I don’t care what you think” attitude. He is one of the last survivors of that generation of photographers that shaped the art of 20th Century Photography.

Long may he thrive.”

Sheila Metzner (1939)

Calla, 1981 (Printed 1981)

“Sheila Metzner has created some of the most beautiful photographs I have ever seen especially in her collaborations with the revered Fresson family on their unique carbon process invented by Theodore-Henri Fresson in 1899, whose legacy is now carried on by his family the Atelier Fresson based outside of Paris. In her long and distinguished career she exudes an unrivaled sense of style and beauty. Surrounded now with her powerful, haunting color images has certainly lifted my mood to embrace the not-too-distant future when we can all experience the light again.”

Peter Fetterman Gallery
2525 Michigan Ave, #A1
Santa Monica, CA 90404

http://www.peterfetterman.com