Trump Orders National Park to Remove Famed Photograph of Formerly Enslaved Man

 Via ArtNews

September 16, 2025

The Scourged Back, 1863

Photo Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images

Following a threatened crackdown on what he his administration called “corrosive ideology” in American museums, Donald Trump has ordered a national park to remove a famous photograph of a formerly enslaved man baring his scarred back.

The Washington Post, which first reported the news on Monday night, did not specify which park would be impacted by the removal of the photograph and cited anonymous sources. But the article said it was one of “multiple” parks impacted by the orders, which target “signs and exhibits related to slavery at multiple national parks,” per the article.

Taken in 1863, the photograph shows a man who may have been named Peter who escaped a plantation in Louisiana and was subsequently examined by doctors who discovered the web of scars on his back that resulted from repeated, brutal whipping. The image was reprinted widely at the time as proof of the horrors of enslavement that some Americans could not personally witness firsthand. Informally, the picture is known as The Scourged Back.

It remains a key image of its era. Artist Arthur Jafa, for example, has included versions of it in recent installations. The National Portrait Gallery, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Gallery of Art, and many other museum own prints of it.

According to the Washington Post, Trump’s order called for the removal of information and signage at the Harpers Ferry National Historic Park in West Virginia. The President’s House Site in Philadelphia may also be impacted, staffers told the Post.

In March, in an executive order that targeted Smithsonian-run museums, Trump singled out Independence National Historical Park, whose displays, he claimed, put forward the notion that “America is purportedly racist.”

A Parks Service spokesperson confirmed to the Post that exhibits under the organization’s aegis were under review, saying, “Interpretive materials that disproportionately emphasize negative aspects of U.S. history or historical figures, without acknowledging broader context or national progress, can unintentionally distort understanding rather than enrich it.”

It is not the first time Trump’s administration has gone after displays related to enslavement. In August, Trump claimed that the Smithsonian’s museums emphasize “how bad Slavery was,” a further sign that they were “OUT OF CONTROL.”

George Eastman Museum acquires prints by Mark Peterson and Bing Guan

 September 8, 2025

The George Eastman Museum has acquired prints by Mark Peterson and Bing Guan for their permanent collection.

Mark Peterson: Waiting for election results at a Trump watch party at the Palm Beach Convention Center, November, 2024

Bing Guan: New York Police officers in riot gear enter Hamilton Hall at Columbia University, New York, April 30, 2024

Mark Peterson is a photographer based in New York City. His work has been published in the New York Times Magazine, New York Magazine, The New Yorker, Time, Fortune, National Geographic, Geo Magazine and other national and international publications. In 2018 he was awarded the W. Eugene Smith grant for his work on White Nationalism. This photograph was published in The New York Times and selected as one of the "photos that defined 2024."

Bing Guan 管秉宸  is a Chinese American  photographer and journalist. He is based between New York City and Southern California. He is currently an adjunct professor of photography at the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism. Bing is a regular contributor to Reuters, Bloomberg, and The New York Times. 

The George Eastman Museum is located in Rochester, New York, on the estate of George Eastman, the pioneer of popular photography and motion picture film. Founded in 1947 as an independent nonprofit institution, it is the world’s oldest photography museum and one of the oldest film archives. The museum holds unparalleled collections—encompassing several million objects—in the fields of photography, cinema, and photographic and cinematographic technology, and photographically illustrated books. The institution is also a longtime leader in film preservation and photographic conservation.

"Throughout its history, our institution has collected and exhibited photographs and films that address timely and timeless topics."

In an era dominated by misinformation and digital manipulation, photojournalism plays a vital role in restoring trust and authenticity in media. Verified images serve as undeniable evidence of events, countering false narratives and providing clarity in a world overwhelmed by conflicting information. This power makes photojournalism an indispensable tool in the fight against fake news.

Watch Refractions: A Conversation with Sidney S. Monroe and Michelle A. Monroe

 Via B&H Photo Refractions

September 4, 2025

About Stephen Mallon

Stephen Mallon is a photographer and filmmaker who specializes in the industrial-scale creations of mankind at unusual moments of their life cycles. 

Mallon’s work blurs the line between documentary and fine art, revealing the industrial landscape to be unnatural, desolate and functional yet simultaneously also human, surprising and inspiring. It has been featured in publications and by broadcasters including Smithsonian Magazine, The New York Times, National Geographic, NBC, The Wall Street Journal, The Daily Mail, MSNBC, PBS, GQ, CBS, the London Times and Vanity Fair. Mallon has exhibited in cities including Miami, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, St. Louis and New York, as well as in England and Italy. 

Stephen’s project following the MTA’a artificial reef project where over 2000 subway cars were placed in the Atlantic was shown at The New York Transit Museum’s Grand Central Terminal Gallery. Over 60,000 people experienced the exhibition and was featured by Gothamist, Artnet, Yahoo, Fox News, and numerous other outlets. 

As David Schonauer wrote in Pro Photo Daily, “Mallon’s word harkens back to the heroic industrial landscapes of Margaret Bourke-White and Charles Sheeler, who glorified American steel and found art in its industrial muscle and smoke during the Great Depression.” He has also been compared to photographers including Edward Burtynsky, Thomas Struth and Chris Jordan. 

Mallon served as a board member of the New York chapter of the American Society of Media Photographers from 2002 until 2020 and served as president from 2006 to 2009. He is represented by Front Room Gallery in New York.

Remembering Hurricane 20 Years Later: Photographs By Stephen Wilkes

Stephen Wilkes: In Katrina's Wake: TV in sand

Katrina formed on August 23, 2005. It entered the Gulf of Mexico on August 26 and rapidly intensified to a Category 5 hurricane before weakening to a Category 3 at its landfall on August 29 near Buras-Triumph, Louisiana.

Katrina was one of the most devastating hurricanes in the history of the United States. It is the deadliest hurricane to strike the United States since the Palm Beach-Lake Okeechobee hurricane of September 1928. It produced catastrophic damage - estimated at $75 billion in the New Orleans area and along the Mississippi coast - and is the costliest U. S. hurricane on record. Stephen Wilkes photographed the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Have we forgotten Katrina's lessons?

View the exhibition online here.

Tracy Barbutes' Transgender Pride Flag Photograph Leads NY Times Article

 Via The New York Times

August 18, 2025

A transgender pride flag was unfurled by Shannon Joslin and other demonstrators on El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, Calif., in May.Credit...Tracy Barbutes, via Reuters

Yosemite Biologist Who Hung Trans Pride Flag From El Capitan Is Fired

The National Park Service terminated Shannon Joslin over the May 20 demonstration, which it said took place in a prohibited area and lacked the required permits. -Click for full article

On February 22, 2025 – almost exactly 80 years to the day after Joe Rosenthal’s Iwo Jima Photograph - Tracy Barbutes photographed an inverted American flag — historically used as a sign of distress — off the side of El Capitan, a towering rock formation in Yosemite National Park, hung to protest the Trump administration’s cuts to the National Park Service.

©Tracy Barbutes

Andrew Harper: "Art in Santa Fe - a few favorite discoveries from my last trip"

 Via Andrew Harper

"The idea I had for this newsletter back in 1979 – to share information about peaceful and unspoiled sanctuaries with a limited and compatible group of sophisticated travelers – remains at the core of its identity today. There is no concealing my disdain for crowds, noise, rudeness, fast food, packaged destinations, characterless hotels and copycat resorts.”

August, 2025

While Santa Fe may not be the site of the country’s first art colony (that’s in New York) or the third-largest art market (highly disputed), a fact-challenged tour guide we overheard was right about one thing: The city has a long and rich history as an artist community. Synonymous with Georgia O’Keeffe, Santa Fe became an art-world darling in the 1980s and ’90s, helped along by artist transplants like Judy Chicago, Bruce Nauman and Susan Rothenberg. Visitors today can browse exhibitions in nine museums and more than 250 galleries. These are a few favorite discoveries from my last trip.

Monroe Gallery of Photography

“Ancestral Strength, Teton National Park, Wyoming, Cayuse, Umatilla, Newe Sogobia and Tséstho’e, 2023,” by Eugene Tapahe

Specializing in 20th- and 21st-century photography, this downtown gallery showcases images “embedded in our collective consciousness,” and a visit is eye-opening and deeply moving. The owners, a husband-and-wife team with deep knowledge of the medium, have personal relationships with world-renowned photojournalists. Their gallery documents the highs and lows of our shared history through powerful snapshots in time. In a single visit, you might see how Tony Vaccaro captured the brutality of the battlefield and the beauty of fashion, how Charles Moore and Grey Villet snapped unsettling scenes from the Civil Rights Movement, and other notable photographers caught intimate moments with celebrities, athletes and heads of state. Taken together, the collection provides a chance to reflect on where we’ve been and where we may be going. Co-owner Sidney Monroe indicated that emotional reactions are commonplace here: “It is as it should be,” he deadpanned.

Monroe Gallery

112 Don Gaspar Avenue. Tel. (505) 992-0800

The Palazzo Magnani Foundation in Reggio Emilia presents the exhibition Margaret Bourke-White: The work 1930-1960

 Via Finestra sull'Arte

July 27, 2025

From October 25, 2025 to February 8, 2026, the frescoed halls of the Chiostri di San Pietro in Reggio Emilia will host Margaret Bourke-White. The Work 1930-1960, a retrospective exhibition dedicated to Margaret Bourke-White (New York, 1904 - Stamford, 1971), one of the most significant figures in twentieth-century photography. The initiative is promoted by the Fondazione Palazzo Magnani in collaboration with CAMERA - Italian Center for Photography, and curated by Monica Poggi. The exhibition presents 150 images spanning three decades of the author’s activity, including industrial reportage, war scenarios, social transformations and geopolitical conflicts. Born in New York in 1904 and passed away in 1971, Bourke-White was able to build an international career distinguished by her ability to deal with extreme contexts, both in terms of logistical difficulties and political implications, establishing herself as a direct witness to the events that marked the century. The exhibition is divided into six sections, following a chronological and thematic criterion, including industrial reportage, conflict and major social transformations.  Click to read full article

Related article: Margaret Bourke-White. The work 1930-1960

Vicki Goldberg Dies at 88, an influential photography critic, she wrote essays, newspaper columns and books, including a notable biography of the photojournalist Margaret Bourke-White.

 Via The New York Times

June 18, 2025

Vicki Goldberg, an influential photography critic and the author of a lauded 1986 biography of Margaret Bourke-White, the pioneering and colorful Life magazine photographer, died on May 29 in Manhattan. She was 88.

Bourke-White was America’s first female photographer to be accredited to cover World War II, a swashbuckling personage who worked for Fortune and then Life magazines. She shot Nazi rallies, and, in agonizing images, the liberation of Buchenwald. She flew in a Flying Fortress bomber to get shots of a raid on Tunis. She photographed a smug-looking Stalin. Away from the war, she perched on a gargoyle atop the Chrysler Building in Manhattan to photograph its twin and made perhaps what is the most famous portrait of Gandhi, sitting cross-legged with his spinning wheel.

Flag Day, 2025

 

Flag Day is a holiday celebrated on June 14 in the United States. It commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777 by resolution of the Second Continental Congress.

Throughout history, flags have elevated the emotional impact of images. 

Joe Rosenthal/©AP

Perhaps the most iconic of all flag photos is Joe Rosenthal’s Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph of six U.S. Marines raising the American flag on Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jima. It was taken on Friday, February 23, 1945, five days after the Marines landed on the island. Almost instantly, the image came to symbolize American courage, resilience, and unity in the face of adversity, becoming a powerful emblem of the nation's resolve during World War II.

In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, Thomas E. Franklin documented three New York firefighters raising the American flag amid the wreckage of the fallen World Trade Center towers. Like Rosenthal’s photo, it was universally embraced, an uplifting photo that defined resilience and unity.

Thomas Franklin/©Bergen Record

The weaponization of the flag has similarly produced iconic photographs. In 1976, Stanley Forman photographed a white protester outside City Hall assaulting an African American attorney with the American flag. “The photo shocked Boston” made front pages across the U.S. and also won a Pulitzer Prize. Captioned “The Soiling of Old Glory”, to this day it offers a dramatic window onto the turbulence of the 1970s and race relations in America.

©Stanley Forman

Nearly fifty years later, on January 6, 2021, a weaponized American flag was documented once again. David Butow’s unsettling photo of Trump supporters attacking police from the steps of the Capitol is a modern echo of Forman’s Soiling of Old Glory.

©David Butow

And most recently, on February 22, 2025 – almost exactly 80 years to the day after Joe Rosenthal’s Iwo Jima Photograph - Tracy Barbutes photographed an inverted American flag — historically used as a sign of distress — off the side of El Capitan, a towering rock formation in Yosemite National Park, hung to protest the Trump administration’s cuts to the National Park Service. Hundreds of visitors had gathered to photograph an annual phenomenon in the park known as firefall, when the setting sun causes a seasonal waterfall on El Capitan to glow orange. One spectator commented: “I feel like our national parks are national treasures, and they need to be protected, as does our democracy. It was a call to action and a call for hope.”

©Tracy Barbutes

©Ron Haviv

Supporters of Vice President Kamala Harris react to results on election night, 2024 Washington D.C

©Mark Peterson

Ku Klux Klan New Member Meeting, Kentucky, May, 2025

Virginia Public Media Feature On Gallery Photographer Sanjay Suchak

Dave Matthews Band photographer Sanjay Suchak’s path from government work to a career in the arts

Via VPM | By Terri Allard

Published April 23, 2025 

“One of the things that got me into photography when I first started was realizing that with a camera and a small amount of skill, you could go to any show for free at the 9:30 Club when I couldn't afford to,” said photographer Sanjay Suchak. “So, I learned that if I found a publication willing to run my photos, I could kind of come in with a camera and bring a friend. It seemed like a pretty good deal.”

For Suchak, who currently serves as a tour photographer for the Dave Matthews Band, Public Enemy and Slightly Stoopid, choosing photography as a profession was not an option. It was a hobby – something he learned about in his teens from his mother and explored on the side throughout his college years in New York.

“Being the son of a first-generation immigrant, you're not going to necessarily declare that you're going to go to college for art,” he said. “So, I went to school for business and international relations and decided to forge a path in government.”

During his college years, Suchak continued growing as a photographer, capturing images on weekends and evenings. After graduating, he took on a six-month stint as a photographer’s assistant where he learned more about lighting and composition. He then spent a handful of years working in government and nonprofit roles until photography won out and he took on a full-time role as staff photographer at a Maryland community college.

“I found that I was having more success with photography than what I actually went to school for,” said Suchak. “The rewards were more noticeable — not just financially — but just in terms of people connecting with what you do and appreciating what you're putting out there. And it sort of felt like this was going to be my natural path.”

From 2013 to 2023, while freelancing as a videographer and eventually tour photographer for the Dave Matthews Band, Suchak served as the senior photographer for the University of Virginia, covering day-to-day life at the school. This included athletics, faculty research, student activities, marketing and “telling the story of the history of that sort of impressive behemoth of an organization.”

During his time at UVA, Suchak — whose work has been featured in various publications including The New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal and Rolling Stone — also captured the August 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville. It was during this time that he became interested in covering political protests and the removal of Virginia statues, eventually serving as one of only two photographers who were granted access to witness the melting down of Charlottesville’s Robert E. Lee statue that once stood in the Market Street Park.

Sanjay Suchak

Foundry workers prepare to melt down the face of the Robert E. Lee statue for repurposing, October, 2023

He became one of DMB’s official photographers after snapping an image of Dave Matthews and Stevie Wonder during the September 2017 Concert for Charlottesville. Suchak, who always kept a camera on his hip while working in a video capacity, captured the two musicians on stage together, talking to the audience and holding hands.

“I never really envisioned a career in that,” said Suchak, “but over the years, being in Charlottesville, crossing paths with members of the band and then getting to know other people in the music community, I've sort of created a pretty large career out of working for the musicians, and it's been pretty great.”

For Suchak, who also works as a commercial photographer, choosing a career in the arts turned out to be a pretty good decision.

“I let my dad do my taxes” said Suchak, “so he understands I'm not gonna starve.”


Some of the photographic works represented in the embedded video contain explicit language.

Information about Suchak’s work can be found on his website.

Suchak's work can be seen at The Photography Show Presented by AIPAD at the Park Avenue Armory in NYC April 23-27, 2025 in Booth C8.

10 FPS Podcast: Celebrating over two decades in Santa Fe, the Monroes shared their insights into the significance of photojournalism and their preparations for the upcoming APAD show in New York

 Via 10 FPS Podcast

April 23, 2025

  

 Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Pandora | Podchaser | TuneIn | Deezer | Anghami | Youtube Music | RSS

Photojournalism uniquely bridges the worlds of art and storytelling, capturing moments that resonate deeply with audiences. The Monroe Gallery, a leader in this field, has dedicated itself to showcasing the transformative power of images. In this episode our hosts explored this fascinating realm with Sydney and Michelle Monroe, founders of the Monroe Gallery. Celebrating over two decades in Santa Fe, the Monroes shared their insights into the significance of photojournalism and their preparations for the upcoming APAD show in New York.

The Birth of Monroe Gallery

The Monroe Gallery’s journey began with a pivotal meeting with Alfred Eisenstadt, a founding photographer of Life Magazine. This encounter sparked Sydney and Michelle Monroe’s passion for photojournalism, leading them to recognize its potential within the gallery system. Their mission became to elevate photojournalistic images from magazine pages to gallery walls, transforming them into enduring pieces of art and historical evidence.
The Impact of Photojournalism

Photojournalism, as the Monroes describe, is about more than capturing moments; it’s about documenting history and inspiring change. The images they curate are visually striking and carry deep social and political relevance. From war scenes to tender moments of love, these photographs tell timeless stories. The Monroes emphasize the importance of context, ensuring viewers understand the historical and emotional backdrop of each image.
Handling Sensitive Subjects

Presenting sensitive subjects is a challenge the Monroe Gallery navigates with care. The Monroes provide context to balance human suffering with stories of heroism and hope, offering a comprehensive view of the human experience. This thoughtful curation is evident in exhibitions like Grey Villet’s work on the Loving family, highlighting photojournalism’s societal impact. It is also seen in their latest special exhibit titled “WWII – Eighty Years”, which will be presented at APAD this year. The exhibit highlights the historic triumphs and devastating losses of the war that were captured by thousands of wartime photographers. It is a reminder that we must learn from our history so that these same actions may never be repeated.

Supporting Modern Photojournalists

In today’s evolving media landscape, the Monroe Gallery supports contemporary photojournalists, many of whom rely on print sales to fund their work. The Monroes represent a diverse range of voices, from legends to emerging talents like Eugene Tapahe, whose “Jingle Dress Project” beautifully combines art and journalism. This dedication ensures the gallery remains a vibrant platform for storytelling.

The Monroe Gallery’s journey underscores the enduring power of photojournalism. Through thoughtful curation and commitment, Sydney and Michelle Monroe have created a space where images challenge perceptions and inspire change. As they prepare for the APAD show, the Monroes continue to champion photojournalism as both art and historical record, inviting all to explore the profound impact of these stories.

#photojournalism #photogallery #exibits #APAD

Previous Episode: Ron Haviv

“10 Frames Per Second” Podcast delves into the world of photojournalism through the lens of Ron Haviv, a renowned photojournalist and co-founder of the VII Agency

 Via 10 FPS Podcast    A Photojournalism Podcast For Everyone

April 17, 2025

 

On this episode of “10 Frames Per Second” we delve into the world of photojournalism through the lens of Ron Haviv, a renowned photojournalist and co-founder of the VII Agency. In this episode Haviv shared his journey, experiences, and his thoughts on the evolving landscape of photojournalism.

(We are honored to feature Ron Haviv's work in our booth C8 next week at The Photography Show Presented by AIPAD)

Getting Started in Photojournalism

Ron Haviv’s entry into photojournalism wasn’t a childhood dream but rather a journey of discovery during his university years. Influenced by hobbyist photographers in his life and a job with a fashion photographer, Haviv found himself drawn to the world of photography. His career took off with a chance encounter and a generous offer from fellow photojournalist Chris Morris, leading to his first international assignment in Panama.

The Impact of Photojournalism
 
Haviv’s work has had significant impacts, both positive and challenging: Panama: His photographs from Panama were used by President George H.W. Bush as part of the justification for the U.S. invasion, highlighting the power of images in political discourse.
Bosnia: Despite capturing evidence of atrocities, his photographs were initially ignored, underscoring the limitations of photojournalism in effecting immediate change.

The Role of Photo Agencies

Haviv co-founded the VII Agency to give photographers more control over their work and careers. The agency, which emerged at the dawn of the digital age, has adapted to the changing landscape of photojournalism by focusing on embracing digital technology to streamline operations. His non-profit initative, the VII Foundation, helps support long form journalism projects while providing a free education in visual journalism.

The Importance of Education and Mentorship

Haviv emphasizes the critical role of education in photojournalism. With the democratization of photography, it’s essential to train photographers in storytelling and business. This is so that they can tell great stories with their work and draw in clients that will be willing to pay for their pictures and services.

The Lost Rolls Project

One of Haviv’s notable projects is “The Lost Rolls,” a book and public archive exploring memory and photography. This project involved developing forgotten rolls of film, leading to deep reflection on the stories that were captured and what memories would have been attached to them. Now Haviv is encouraging the public to take part in the project by contributing their own lost rolls and stories.


Ron Haviv’s journey and insights offer a profound look into the world of photojournalism. From the power of images to influence political decisions to the challenges of ensuring their impact, Haviv’s experiences highlight the complexities and responsibilities of being a photojournalist. As the industry continues to evolve, education, mentorship, and innovative projects like “The Lost Rolls” remain vital in preserving the integrity and impact of photojournalism.

Monroe Gallery At The 2025 Photography Show Presented BY AIPAD

©Eugene Tapahe

Four Worlds, Teton National Park, Wyoming, the native land of the Shoshone, Bannock, Gros Ventre, and Nez Perce people, 2020

Monroe Gallery of Photography, Santa Fe, NM, is pleased to return to exhibit at The Photography Show presented by the Association of International Photography Art Dealers (AIPAD). The longest-running fair dedicated to photography in the world fair will take place April 23 – 27 at the Park Avenue Armory, 643 Park Ave, New York, NY and showcase 67 galleries and 20 Photobook and partner exhibitors from around the world.

Monroe Gallery of Photography will be located at Booth C8 and will present a distinctly curated exhibit, with a central focus on Diné (Navajo) photographer Eugene Tapahe’s “Art Heals: TheJingle Dress Project”. “The Jingle Dress Project” originated from Tapahe's dream inspiring him to bring global attention to Native American issues in these uncertain times of social differences through the healing power of the Ojibwe jingle dress dance. Since then, Tapahe has traveled over 25,000 miles, documenting family members dancing the healing jingle dress dance in National Parks and Monuments, honoring the places where their ancestors once lived. This project has received national and international recognition for its unifying effect on communities. Monroe Gallery is the exclusive representative for Tapahe’s “Jingle Dress” fine art prints. Tapahe will give an Artist's talk on Friday, April 25 at 5:30 pm in Booth C8.

Also on exhibit will be a selection of important contemporary photojournalism with a focus on American politics, climate issues, and refugee migration. Three newly represented independent photojournalists will be featured: Tracy Barbutes, Ron Haviv and Bing Guan. Barbutes is a photojournalist, writer, and wildfire photographer based near Yosemite whose photograph of an upside-down American flag hanging from El Capitan near Yosemite recently went viral. Haviv has produced an unflinching record of the injustices of war covering over 25 conflicts, and his photography has had singular impact. 

©Ron Haviv

Young displaced girls from Darfur, Sudan leave a camp to gather firewood for their families. The US government declared the war in Darfur a genocide. Darfur, Sudan 2005

Guan is a full-time freelance photographer, journalist, and artist based in New York City. He is currently an adjunct professor of photography at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.

©Bing Guan

New York Police officers in riot gear enter Hamilton Hall at Columbia University, New York, May 1, 2024

Other showcased photographers at the intersectionality of art and journalism include Anna Boyiazis, Mark Peterson, and Tony Vaccaro.

Preview our exhibition here.

New Exhibition: WWII - Eighty Years and Free Film Screening

 

Monroe Gallery of Photography is honored to present a special exhibition commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, the largest and most violent military conflict in human history. “WWII – Eighty Years” opens on Friday, April 18, with a special free screening of the HBO Documentary Film “Underfire: The Untold Story of PFC Tony Vaccaro” on Saturday, April 19 at 5 pm. Seating is limited, RSVP required. The exhibition continues through June 22, 2025.

This anniversary reminds us of war’s cost and the courage to believe in humanity, even in the darkest times.

At the age of 21, Tony Vaccaro was drafted into WWII and was a combat infantryman in the 83rd Infantry Division on a boat heading toward Omaha Beach, six days after the first landings at Normandy. The acclaimed HBO Films documentary “Under Fire: The Untold Story of Private First Class Tony Vaccaro” tells the story of how Tony Vaccaro survived the war, fighting the enemy while also documenting his experience at great risk, developing his photos in combat helmets at night and hanging the negatives from tree branches. The film also encompasses a wide range of contemporary issues regarding combat photography such as the ethical challenges of witnessing and recording conflict, the ways in which combat photography helps to define how wars are perceived by the public, and the sheer difficulty of staying alive while taking photos in a war zone.

   

 Preview the exhibition here.

RSVP for the film screening here.

Monroe Gallery Announces Representation of Tracy Barbutes Instantly Iconic Photograph of Upside Down Flag Protest At Yosemite National Park

 April 10, 2025

Monroe Gallery Announces Representation of Tracy Barbutes Instantly Iconic Photograph of Upside Down Flag Protest At Yosemite National Park

©Tracy Barbutes

An upside-down American flag hangs from El Capitan near Yosemite National Park’s Horsetail Falls to protest the thousands of federal job cuts made by President Donald Trump’s administration, February 22, 2025

On February 22, 2025 – almost exactly 80 years to the day after Joe Rosenthal’s Iwo Jima Photograph - Tracy Barbutes photographed an inverted American flag — historically used as a sign of distress — off the side of El Capitan, a towering rock formation in Yosemite National Park, hung to protest the Trump administration’s cuts to the National Park Service. Hundreds of visitors had gathered to photograph an annual phenomenon in the park known as firefall, when the setting sun causes a seasonal waterfall on El Capitan to glow orange. One spectator commented: “I feel like our national parks are national treasures, and they need to be protected, as does our democracy. It was a call to action and a call for hope.”

"Heading to Yosemite that Saturday, I had been told there might be some form of protest at El Capitan (Tu-tok-ah-nu-lah), the park’s iconic 3,000-foot granite monolith.

 There were unconfirmed reports that at least one recently-fired park employee would rappel with an American flag to protest his firing, as well as to protest the thousands of federal jobs lost due to the Trump administration/Elon Musk DOGE cuts. 

 The event would likely happen near Horsetail Fall, during “firefall” – a natural phenomenon that draws thousands of spectators each February. 

 I stood under El Cap, something I’ve done hundreds of times, and as I documented the unfurling of that upside down American flag, an act signaling distress, I couldn’t help but think of the paradox of the overall situation as we were gathered on colonized Indigenous land. 

 There wasn’t an immediate or overwhelming reaction from the crowd, though there was no missing the event. While intent on capturing a series of images, I was mindful that I was documenting a bold, courageous, historic act.

 It wasn’t until later that night and the next morning as the image went viral that I began to understand what those actions, and the image, meant. Did Nate Vance, the fired park employee behind the flag protest, and his cohorts, shake people out of a collective stupor and spark a movement of resistance." --  Tracy Barbutes

Barbutes is a photojournalist, writer, and wildfire photographer based near Yosemite.

This photograph will be on exhibit in the Monroe Gallery booth C8 at The Photography Show presented by the Association of International Photography Art Dealers (AIPAD)

Monroe Gallery Announces Representation of Bing Guan

 March 31, 2025

Civil Human Rights Front Rally in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, December 8, 2019

Santa Fe, NM - Monroe Gallery of Photography is honored to announce exclusive representation of photographer Bing Guan for fine art print sales.

Guan is a Chinese American full-time freelance photographer, journalist, and artist based in New York City. He is currently an adjunct professor of photography at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. Born in Australia and raised in the United States, Bing attended Dartmouth College and holds a BA cum laude in history from Columbia University. He has reported from across the U.S., and from places including Antigua, Burma, Mexico, Rwanda, and Hong Kong.

Bing is a regular contributor to Reuters, Bloomberg, and The New York Times. He has been awarded grants from the Parsons School of Design, the Ucross Foundation, and the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts.

Bing speaks fluent Mandarin Chinese, and is certified in HEFAT and as a FAA Part 107 drone pilot. 

Monroe Gallery will exhibit examples of Guan’s work at the 2025 Photography Show presented by AIPAD in booth #C8, April 23 – 27 at The Park Avenue Armory in New York City.

Ryan Vizzions Photographer Inspired by Atlanta’s Legacy and Activism

 Via Discover Atlanta

March 28, 2025

 

 Ryan Vizzions describes Atlanta as a uniquely diverse melting pot shaped by its history. He credits Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the city’s role as a hub for African Americans during segregation as foundational to its identity. This legacy, he says, makes Atlanta exceptional not only in the South but across the entire country as well.

Photography as a Purposeful Journey

Ryan captured this photo during the procession of civil rights activist John Lewis. 

(Photo by Ryan Vizzions)

Vizzions’ photography began as a personal outlet but evolved into a passion for storytelling. Over the years, he embraced various forms, from photojournalism to architectural and street photography. He views his work as a medium for raising awareness and documenting social movements.

Standing Rock and Activism

This photo from Standing Rock is one of the most influential in Ryan’s career.

(Photo by Ryan Vizzions)

One of the defining moments in Vizzions’ career was his documentation of the Standing Rock protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline. Inspired by a haunting resemblance to the Civil Rights era, he felt compelled to witness the movement firsthand. What began as a spontaneous trip turned into a six-month immersion, during which he lived at the camp and captured some of the most recognized images of the movement.

Honoring Atlanta’s Modern-Day Leaders

This is one of Ryan’s final images for Colors of Atlanta.

(Photo by Ryan Vizzions)

Vizzions chose to highlight contemporary changemakers for his Atlanta-focused project for “Colors of Atlanta.” He selected civil rights attorney and activist Gerald Griggs, president of the Georgia NAACP. Vizzions first met Griggs during the Black Lives Matter protests in Atlanta and later during the Ahmaud Arbery murder trial. Impressed by Griggs’ relentless advocacy in the courtroom and on the ground, Vizzions wanted to create a powerful portrait that Griggs and his family could be proud of.

Auburn Avenue: Connecting Past, Present and Future

Vizzions selected Auburn Avenue, a historic street in Atlanta, as the backdrop for his photograph. Known as Black Wall Street, Auburn Avenue holds deep cultural significance. It was home to jazz legends at the Royal Peacock and the pulpit of Dr. King at Ebenezer Baptist Church. Vizzions sought to intertwine Atlanta’s rich past with its present and future.

Stepping Beyond Photojournalism

Ryan captured the image in Auburn Avenue. (Photo by Andrew Clark)

Although Vizzions’ background is rooted in documentary and photojournalism, this project pushed him into the editorial realm. Initially nervous, he quickly found his rhythm, collaborating with Griggs to create powerful, meaningful images. He expressed pride in the final result, seeing the work as a collective achievement.

Atlanta’s Influence on his Art

Vizzions draws continuous inspiration from Atlanta. For him, photographing Atlanta is more than capturing its skyline; it’s about preserving the spirit of its people, honoring its leaders and ensuring that its legacy endures.

Learn more about other talented photographers featured on “Colors of Atlanta” and watch the TV series.

Introducing the 2025 World Press Photo Contest winners

 Via World Press Photo

March 27, 2025

 

Reflections from the ​​2025 Contest global jury (With Nina Berman)

 Chosen from nearly 60,000 entries by 3,778 photographers from 141 countries, the award-winning images are those of struggle and defiance, but also of human connection and courage – visually stunning work that draws you deeper into stories behind the news. This enriching selection of the world’s best photojournalism and documentary photography was chosen by an independent international jury based on their visual quality, storytelling approach, and commitment to diverse representation.

"My hope is that tomorrow’s lawyers, reporters, and policymakers will be affected and moved by these images, and that perhaps they will strike a chord in some of today’s 11-year-olds, who, having forged the beginning of a relationship with them, will continue their life journey knowing that pictures, and the stories they tell, matter.

We made our choices with an eye on the final mix: as much as a World Press Photo Contest award is an immense recognition for photographers, often working under difficult circumstances, it is also a recap of the world’s major events. Yet, what we have here is just a partial overview. Not all the events that were topical in 2024 were covered by the photos submitted, but the jury selected images, I believe, fully aware of their power, and of the legitimacy that the award would lend them." – Lucy Conticello, director of Photography, Le Monde, and 2025 Contest global jury chair

Full collection of awarded photos and stories here.

"I Photographed January 6. Trump’s Pardons Can’t Erase What I Saw." --Gallery Photographer Nate Gowdy

Via Columbia Journalism Review

February 4, 2025

Reflections from an independent photojournalist.

5:07:45 PM, January 6, 2021, US Capitol, Washington, DC

America loves to rebrand its sins as myth. In four years, MAGA loyalists have recast the January 6 insurrection as resurrection. (All photos by Nate Gowdy)

February 4, 2025

By Nate Gowdy

"This is why I document: America loves to rebrand its sins as myth. In four years, MAGA loyalists have rewritten January 6 from every angle. Rioters have been framed as leftists in disguise, police as “crisis actors,” the attack an FBI setup—or, more outrageously, citizens on a “normal tourist visit.” By 2025, revisionism is big business. Conservative media churns out books, podcasts, and stump speeches recasting insurrection as resurrection. But my images tell another story: they depict a nation in fracture, where well-meaning neighbors and dutiful relatives cling to their “Big Lie” with an unwavering sincerity that doesn’t just reject facts—it inoculates against them, leaving everyone vulnerable to propaganda and less capable of critical thought." 

Full article here:  I Photographed January 6. Trump’s Pardons Can’t Erase What I Saw. - Columbia Journalism Review

Free screening of the acclaimed documentary "The Loving Story" February 15

 

Monroe Gallery of Photography is pleased to present a free screening of the acclaimed documentary film "The Loving Story", a simple, profound love story between one man and one woman who in and of themselves were unlikely crusaders in the fight for equity.

Saturday, February 15. Film begins promptly at 4:30. Seating is limited, RSVP essential.

In conjunction with the new exhibition "Loving", on view through April 12, 2025