Eight photographers who demonstrate the artistry, passion and revolution of the past and present art and science of photography will be honored by the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum at an induction and awards ceremony on Friday, Nov. 1 at the .ZACK in the Grand Center Arts District.
The IPHF annually awards and inducts notable photographers or photography industry visionaries for their artistry, innovation and significant contributions to the art and science of photography.
“The diversity of work and offerings from this year’s awardees provides for a full range of fabulous photography,” said Richard Miles, chairman of the board of IPHF. “We are proud to bring them into the Hall of Fame.”
The inductees were selected by a nominating committee of IPHF representatives and notable photographic leaders. To be eligible for induction, nominees were considered based on the noteworthy contributions they made to the art or science of photography that had a significant impact on the photography industry and/or history of photography. The inductees are each viewed as significant innovators in their respective fields. They are all risk takers who introduced the world to new means of artistic representation and expression, and differ widely in style and practice.
About the 2019 Photography Hall of Fame inductees:
Bruce Davidson (1933 – )
The photography of Bruce Davidson sheds light on subjects that have been isolated or marginalized from society and in many cases, are hostile to outsiders themselves. His photographs show a keen desire to reveal and understand the complexities of individual lives and reflect universal truths and concerns.
Elliott Erwitt (1928 – )
Elliott Erwitt is a leading figure in advertising and documentary photography. He is known for his warm, wry sense of humor, often capturing his subjects in ironic or absurd situations. He has served as an advocate for the preservation of copyright and intellectual property rights of photographers worldwide.
Ralph Gibson (1939 – )
Taking inspiration from musicians and abstract artists, Ralph Gibson’s images seem to speak to the surreal and subconscious. Known for his photographic books and prints, his dramatic compositions evoke a deep sense of mystery and an eye for detail that can turn the ordinary into profound studies in abstraction.
Mary Ellen Mark (1940 – 2015)
Mary Ellen Mark’s empathy, humanity, penetrating vision and commitment to those she photographed and their stories, distinguished both her work and her voice as a photographer. Everything about her work was personal – never judgmental – intimate, while at the same time speaking to larger truths about otherness, poverty and class. Mary Ellen Mark died in 2015. Photo by Joshua Kogan, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA, 1996
Steve McCurry (1950 – )
Steve McCurry’s career in photography has taken him around the world, covering conflicts, vanishing traditional cultures and scenes from contemporary society. Best known for his photograph, “Afghan Girl,” he has gone on to document the impact of war and conflict to humans and the environment.
Paul Nicklen (1968 – )
Paul Nicklen is a photographer, filmmaker, marine biologist and an outspoken advocate for wildlife conservation. Focusing on the polar regions, his evocative nature photography displays a deep reverence and sensitivity for the wildlife and environment of these most isolated, endangered places in the world.
Olivia Parker (1941 – )
Olivia Parker is one of the foremost still life photographers of her generation. She draws inspiration from the histories of art and science, using natural light to transform ephemeral objects, both natural and man-made, into images for contemplation.
Tony Vaccaro (1922 – )
Tony Vaccaro’s photographic career began on the battlefields of World War II with one of the most harrowing and unflinching visual accounts of war and its immediate aftermath. He later photographed for Look, Life, Flair, and many other top magazines, amassing an extensive collection of portraits of some of the most noted figures of his generation.
An online pre-auction and a live auction will take place at the induction event as the inductees provide a selection of their work to raise funding for IPHF for educational programming, workshops, lectures and preservation of collections.
The evening will begin with a reception at 6 p.m., followed by the induction ceremony and awards at 6:45 p.m., followed by dinner and entertainment at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and sponsorship information, visit iphf.org.
For more than 50 years, the IPHF has been and remains the only organization worldwide that recognizes and honors significant contributors to the artistic craft and science of photography.
In addition to its commitment to the Photography Hall of Fame, the IPHF strives to educate the public about photographic history and to collect, exhibit and preserve historical items and images.
IPHF’s impressive permanent collection contains works from more than 500 artists, over 2,000 historical cameras, and more than 30,000 photographs. An outdoor art installation of a 10- by 14-foot inflatable camera was placed in Grand Center to heighten awareness of the 2019 induction event.
About the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum
The International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum is a nonprofit organization with the purpose of celebrating the achievements of the inventors, pioneers and pivotal artists throughout the history of photography. The IPHF has preserved the art of photography and its contribution to modern civilization since 1965. The IPHF is located in the Grand Center Arts District at 3415 Olive Street, St. Louis, MO, 63103.
