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Main Gallery

HUMANKIND: IMAGES BY VII
Nov. 13, 2008 - Jan. 11, 2009

Ron Haviv photograph
Courtesy Ron Haviv, Hasted Hunt New York and VIIMarcus Bleasdale photograph
Courtesy Marcus Bleasdale, Hasted Hunt NY and VII

The 1955 exhibition, The Family of Man, which explored man's indomitable nature, was seen internationally by tens of thousands of people and the catalog sold millions of copies.

Humankind, a contemporary response to that classic exhibition featuring images by members of the photo agency VII, is on display in the Main Gallery of the Griffin Museum November 13 through January 11, 2009.

Organized by Hasted Hunt Gallery, NY, in collaboration with VII, Humankind showcases the work of international photographers Marcus Bleasdale, Alexandra Boulat, Lauren Greenfield, Ron Haviv, Gary Knight, Antonin Kratochvil, Christopher Morris, James Nachtwey, Franco Pagetti, and John Stanmeyer.

Edward Steichen, curator of The Family of Man exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art more than 50 years ago, wrote, "It was conceived as a mirror of the universal elements and emotions in the everydayness of life - as a mirror of the essential oneness of mankind throughout the world."

The exhibit was noted for its affirmative point of view and its look at man's perseverance in the face of adversity. It toured the world for many years and the book was believed to be the most successful photography book every printed.

The exhibit was also criticized for its collectively upbeat portrayal of a world full of happy children and uncomplaining workers.

Mostly, however, The Family of Man is viewed as a record of classic photographs.

In Humankind, the photographers see a world that is different than five decades ago, with conflicts in the Middle East, AIDS, and concerns about the environment. Yet, it is also much the same.

"Humankind is a mighty vehicle for understanding our global civilization as each VII photographer portrays her/his unique view of humanity," says Paula Tognarelli, executive director of the Griffin Museum of Photography. "The world has changed in 50 years. Despite the opportunities and challenges that have come with the passage of time, the human face is constant in how it reveals our many emotions."

An opening reception for Humankind is November 13, 7-8:30 p.m. It is open to all. Please RSVP by November 6.

The Griffin Museum of Photography is open Tuesday through Thursday, 11 am - 5 pm; Friday 11 am - 4 pm; and Saturday and Sunday, noon - 4 pm. The Museum is closed on Monday. Admission is $5 for adults; $2 for seniors. Members and children under 12 are admitted free. Admission is free to all every Thursday. For more information, call 781-729-1158.