Courtesy Ron Haviv, Hasted Hunt New York and VII 
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. |
