Bob Gomel : Eyewitness - When history was made, he was there

Via Bob Gomel Eyewitness

Bob Gomel and David Scarbrough share a love of storytelling through photography.

During the past decade, the two men and their spouses, Sandy Gomel and Mary Scarbrough, became friends. Bob’s shot of The Beatles in poolside lounge chairs hangs in the Scarbroughs’ home. It was Mary’s birthday gift to David for his 60th birthday.

David said, “The history Bob witnessed is important. So are the effort and creativity necessary to make extraordinary images of these historic moments. Many of the images are made even more powerful by Bob’s perspective on how they were created.”

David convinced Bob to reflect on his work for LIFE magazine in the 1960s and his subsequent career. Over dinner one evening, the Scarbroughs proposed making a documentary of Bob’s career. Bob said, “David offered a compelling idea to consider. After a few days, I said, ‘Let’s do it.’”

The documentary project came together quickly. A small studio was set up in Scarbrough’s retail computer electronics shop in Houston. Sessions were shot on Sundays when the shop was closed and outside noise was minimal. As many filmmakers do now, David chose to record the videos in 4K on two iPhones in a two-shot setup. A MacBook Pro and Adobe Premier Pro would be used to edit the video.

The recordings began with a discussion of the Cassius Clay and Sonny Liston fights. The project quickly gained momentum, as David executed his vision for the project, and the stories of more of the epic photos came to life.

“The challenge was to balance Bob’s unique ability to talk about the images and history, and to ensure the viewer remained immersed in the image itself,” David said. “I hope the viewer can briefly live in the moment of the images.”

Bob said, “The decade of the 1960s was historically powerful. We witnessed so much — from the terrific to the terrible. I’m grateful that David remains interested in the history of the 1960s and that his documentary helped share my perspective on the extraordinary events of the decade and on my life as a photographer.”

Ray Macland, the LIFE Picture Editor in 1960, hired a group of young photographers he dubbed “The Young Lions”. There were 5 of us - 

Farrell Grehan, Ken Hyman, Bill Ray, John Loengard & myself.

"With John Loengard's passing on May 24, 2020, that leaves just me."

John Loengard 1934 - 2020

John Loengard: Brassai's Eye, Paris, 1981

LIFE magazine photographer John Loengard passed away May 24 in New York City at age 86.

 

John Loengard was born in New York City in 1934, and received his first assignment from LIFE magazine in 1956, while still an undergraduate at Harvard College. He joined the magazine's staff in 1961, and in 1978 was instrumental in its re-birth as a monthly, serving as picture editor until 1987. Under his guidance in 1986, LIFE received the first award for "Excellence in Photography" given by the American Society of Magazine Editors.

 After LIFE magazine suspended weekly publication in 1972, Loengard joined Time Incorporated’s Magazine Development Group as the picture editor of LIFE Special Reports. He was also picture editor of People magazine during its conception in 1973 and the first three months of its publication in 1974

In 2005, American Photo magazine identified Loengard as “One of the 100 most influential people in photography,” and in 2018 he was inducted into the International Photography Hall of Fame.

In 1996, Loengard received a Lifetime Achievement Award "in recognition of his multifaceted contributions to photojournalism," from Photographic Administrators Inc.

Loengard authored ten books, including: Pictures Under Discussion, which won the Ansel Adams Award for book photography in 1987, Celebrating the Negative, and Georgia O'Keeffe at Ghost Ranch. His book, LIFE Photographers: What They Saw, was named one of the year's ten top books for 1998 by the New York Times

John Loengard: Henry Moore's 'Sheep Piece", 1983

John Loengard: Georgia O'Keeffe with basket, 1966

 

Covid-19 Safe Operating Procedures

Monroe Gallery of Photography will reopen effective May 18, 2020 under state-mandated guidelines to ensure the safest gallery visit possible with your cooperation. The gallery will limit the number of visitors to approximately 10 people at a time. In accordance with mandated health guidelines face masks are required and visitors must maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet. The Gallery will be regularly cleaned and viewers will have a completely touch-free viewing of the exhibitions. The Gallery will provide hand sanitizer and all sales transactions will be contact-free.

In addition, we will be offering private access to the gallery for 30 minutes by reservation. You may optionally bring one additional guest to your private visit. Please reserve your private viewing request via email. All requests for private viewing will receive confirmation within 24 hours. Private appointments will have priority over our public access times.

These procedures may change at any time based on updated guidance from the state. We appreciate your patience as we all navigate this new situation. We extend our concern and gratitude to our community, near and far.

--Sidney and Michelle Monroe

Tony Vaccaro on VE Day - 'We Just Did Our Bit:' WWII Vets Recall War 75 Years Later

Photo by Maria Vaccaro

Via the New York Times
May 8, 2020

LONDON — Seventy-five years after World War II ended in Europe,
The Associated Press spoke to veterans who endured mortal danger,
oppression and fear. As they mark Victory in Europe Day on
 Friday, they also are dealing with loneliness brought on by the
coronavirus pandemic. Here is some of their testimony.

SURVIVING NORMANDY AND COVID-19

Tony Vaccaro is one of the few people alive who can claim to
 have survived the Battle of Normandy and COVID-19.

He was dealt a bad hand early, as his mother died during
childbirth a few years before tuberculosis claimed his father.
 By age 5, he was an orphan in Italy, enduring beatings from
an uncle. By World War II he was an American G.I.

Now, at age 97, he is recovering from COVID-19. He attributes
his longevity to “blind luck, red wine” and determination.

To me, the greatest thing that you can do is challenge the world,”
 he said. “And most of these challenges I win. That’s what keeps
me going.”

Vaccaro’s grit carried him into a lifetime of photography that
began as a combat infantryman when he stowed a camera and
captured close to 8,000 photographs.

One of his famous images,
“Kiss of Liberation,” showed a U.S. sergeant kissing a French 
girl at the end of Nazi occupation.

Vaccaro documented the reconstruction of Europe and
returned to the U.S. where he worked for magazines
such as Look and Life and has fond memories of
photographing celebrities including Sophia Loren, J
ohn. F. Kennedy, Georgia O’Keefe and Pablo Picasso.

Vaccaro lives in Queens, the New York City borough ravaged
by the coronavirus, and next to his family.

He might have caught the virus in April from his son or in
their neighborhood, his daughter-in-law Maria said. He was in
the hospital two days and spent another week recovering.

“That was it,” she said. “He’s walking around like nothing happened.”

Current Exhibition On-Line: LIFE: Defining Photography

We are unable to present our scheduled exhibitions in person. In this difficult time of social distancing, as a very small measure, we hope viewing our exhibits, current and past, on our website brings you enjoyment




The Albuquerque Journal
April 26, 2020


Life through the lens: Online exhibition showcases iconic imagery from the acclaimed magazine

"Mickey Mantle Having a Bad Day at Yankee Stadium, New York, 1965” by John Dominis/Life Picture Collection (Courtesy of Monroe Gallery)

Santa Fe’s Monroe Gallery of Photography is affirming that legacy while giving a nod to social distancing with the online exhibition “Life: Defining Photography” on view at monroegallery.com.

The Santa Fe New Mexican

Pasatiempo

May 1, 2020

LIFE at Monroe Gallery of Photography

The exhibition LIFE: Defining Photography includes work by Bill Ray, Alfred Eisenstaedt, and Margaret Bourke-White.

Bill Ray, Marilyn Monroe singing “Happy Birthday” to President John F. Kennedy, Madison Square Garden, New York, May 19, 1962 (1962), gelatin silver print

Send your greeting to Tony Vaccaro

UPDATE April 26, 2020 - Tony has recovered fromCovid-19 and is doing well, Thank you for your kind messages that helped Tony through his illness!

Tony Vaccaro survived World War II, fighting the enemy while also documenting his experience at great risk. After the war, Tony went on to become one the most sought after photographers of his day.  In recent years there has been a career renaissance for Tony with exhibits world-wide.  In addition to his beautiful family Tony’s great love has been meeting and sharing his work with you.

Having been isolated from both family and friends for his safety during the Covid-19 crisis, Tony’s spirit is suffering. Please take a moment to record a message or short video for Tony to let him know that he is important to you.

Send it to us and we will forward to our dear friend Tony:

by email

Card or letter: c/o Monroe Gallery of Photography, 112 Don Gaspar Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87501

Thank you.

Announcing Our YouTube Channel

We are pleased to announce our YouTube Channel. Watch for new videos in the coming days and weeks.

As a very small measure, we hope viewing our videos brings you enjoyment during this difficult time. You may also view our exhibits, current and past, on our website.

STANDING ROCK SIOUX TRIBE PREVAILS AS FEDERAL JUDGE STRIKES DOWN DAPL PERMITS

Ryan Vizzions: Protesters face off with police and the National Guard on February 1, 2017, 

near Cannon Ball, North Dakota.

Via Earth Justice

MARCH 25, 2020

Washington, D.C. — A federal court today granted a request by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe to strike down federal permits for the controversial Dakota Access Pipeline.

The Court found the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers violated the National Environmental Policy Act when it affirmed federal permits for the pipeline originally issued in 2016. Specifically, the Court found significant unresolved concerns about the potential impacts of oil spills and the likelihood that one could take place.

For example, the Court criticized the Corps for failing to address the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s expert criticism of its analysis, citing issues like potential worst case discharge, the difficulty of detecting slow leaks, and responding to spills in winter. Similarly, the Court observed that DAPL’s parent company’s abysmal safety record “does not inspire confidence,” finding that it should have been considered more closely.

The Court ordered the Corps to prepare a full environmental impact statement on the pipeline, something that the Tribe has sought from the beginning of this controversy. The Court asked the parties to submit additional briefing on the question of whether to shut down the pipeline in the interim.

“After years of commitment to defending our water and earth, we welcome this news of a significant legal win,” said Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Chairman Mike Faith. “It’s humbling to see how actions we took four years ago to defend our ancestral homeland continue to inspire national conversations about how our choices ultimately affect this planet. Perhaps in the wake of this court ruling the federal government will begin to catch on, too, starting by actually listening to us when we voice our concerns.”

“This validates everything the Tribe has been saying all along about the risk of oil spills to the people of Standing Rock,” said Earthjustice attorney Jan Hasselman. “The Obama administration had it right when it moved to deny the permits in 2016, and this is the second time the Court has ruled that the government ran afoul of environmental laws when it permitted this pipeline. We will continue to see this through until DAPL has finally been shut down.”

BACKGROUND
In December of 2016, the Obama administration denied permits for DAPL to cross the Missouri River, and ordered a full environmental impact statement to analyze alternative pipeline routes and impacts on the Tribe’s treaty rights. Yet on his second day in office, Trump reversed that order, directing that permits be issued. Pipeline construction was completed by June of 2017.

The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe challenged the permits in court and won. The Court ruled then that the environmental analysis had been insufficient because it failed to account for consequences facing the Tribe, and ordered the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to redo it. However, the judge declined to shut down the pipeline in the interim.

The Army Corps then redid its environmental analysis, but essentially shut the Tribe out of the review process, and concluded that its previous analysis had been sufficient and that nothing needed to change. In response, Earthjustice and the Tribe went back to court. In a motion for summary judgment filed last August, the Tribe asked the Court to shut down the pipeline and order the Corps to conduct a full environmental analysis.

The massive 2016 gathering of Tribes and allies defending Standing Rock Sioux territory from DAPL captured the world’s attention and attracted international media coverage. It helped give rise to a global movement of indigenous resistance to fossil-fuel infrastructure projects.

UPDATED : Monroe Gallery Temporarily Closed

May 18 - 2020
The Gallery has reopened with modified Covid-19 Safety precautions

March 18, 2020

The health and safety of our community, patrons, and colleagues is of the utmost importance to us and in light of the New Mexico state government’s public health guidance, and to be responsible to our community by preventing unnecessary spread of Covid-19, the Gallery is currently closed. We are working remotely and are available by email and appointment.

Thank you for your understanding and support in these difficult times.

Updated information will be posted here and on our social media feeds.

Thank you.

Sid and Michelle Monroe

info@monroegallery.com

www.monroegallery.com

Monroe Gallery on Paris Photo New York Fair Postponement and COVID-19

March 11,2020


Today Paris Photo New York released the following statement concerning the scheduled first edition of the fair April 1-5, 2020:

"Paris, 10 March 2020 – After careful consideration and comprehensive discussions with galleries and partners, the inaugural edition of Paris Photo New York, organized by Reed Expositions France, will be postponed to a later date due to the growing concerns over public health and safety and the developing COVID-19 situation. A new date will be announced as soon as possible.  

Reed Expositions France, the Show Management of Paris Photo New York, together with AIPAD, Show Committee members, and the Selection Committee made the difficult decision in consultation with all stakeholders and in alignment with the advice from the US public health authorities regarding travel to and from impacted countries.  The Show Management takes the concerns of its exhibitors and supporters seriously and is convinced that the postponement is in the best interest of galleries, collectors and art enthusiasts alike.

Michel Filzi, President of Reed Expositions France, said: “With 178 exhibitors confirmed, this first edition has had an overwhelming welcome from the photo art galleries and editors. We were all very excited to launch this first edition of Paris Photo New York in March, and to build another bridge in the art scene between our two continents. However, the health and well-being of exhibitors, visitors, sponsors, media representatives, cultural institutions and our employees from around the globe is and will always be our first priority. We have therefore made the decision to postpone the Paris Photo New York event to a later date.”

“We fully understand and appreciate the level of planning that is required to participate in an event like ours.  Reed Expositions France will therefore be doing our utmost to help all our customers and their partners to prepare for the upcoming edition. On behalf of all of the Reed Exhibition teams, we truly thank all those involved for their trust, their hard work to date as well as their continued encouragement and support during this challenging time,” said Michel Filzi."

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The health and safety of our community, patrons, and colleagues is of the utmost importance to us. Amid growing travel concerns surrounding COVID-19, we want to assure you we are taking preventive measures to keep our gallery safe and maintain a healthy environment. We are currently attempting to maintain normal business hours but recommend calling for the latest information. 

We are continuously making decisions on how the latest health mandates impact our daily operations. For the most up-to-date information on our exhibits and events, visit our website www.monroegallery.com