March 8th, 2012
Imagine photographing in complete darkness using a Hasselblad camera no auto focus, no fast film, with a single flash. Today this scenario would present quite the challenge but in 1982 it was the technique of photography and single best method for highly acclaimed photographer Ken Light.
Born in the Bronx, raised in East Meadows, NY- social photographer, organizer and filmmaker Mr. Light graced the stage at the Space and he brought the nostalgia of film and the great photographers of the past with him.
Covering his works of the last 40-years, Ken presented images of the 1970 Ohio State University riots, travels with President Nixon, race relations in Mississippi, to his current portfolio documenting the socioeconomic decline of California Central Valley.
He also discussed his now famous coverage of death row inmates and gave a nod to his recent court case with Current TV and Al Gore - where he sued for their unauthorized use of one of his images
...sadly the court sided with the other guy!
And of course as a professor and curator at the University of Berkley, Ken did not fail to mention the great traditions of American photography or its founders...
...giving shout outs to the great Lewis Hine, Dorothea Lange, and Walker Evans and their work during the Great Depression. During the lecture, Ken explained that it is the duty of every generation of photographers to reexamine the same issues of the past so these issues don't go ignored.
In other words, New School meet the Old School
and don't forget the R-E-S-P-E-C-T!
After answering questions from the audience, Ken autographed books in the ASP Reading Room.
Thank you Professor Light! Very illuminating!
(All pictures © Unique for the Space)
Add new comment