Photography New York Style

On this week's show we will explore the great art of photography, through the lens of New York City.

My guests are David Campany, Managing Director of Programs at the International Center of Photography in New York; and Alex Harsley, documentary photographer and Curator of the 4th Street Photo Gallery in the East Village.

Tune in for this fascinating conversation at TalkRadio.nyc or watch the Facebook Video by Clicking Here.

Show Notes

Segment 1

The topic of photography is mentioned first. It is an artform that means a lot to the state of New York. Today’s guests are David Campany who is an author and the managing director of programs at International Center of Photography. In addition, Alex Harsley has joined who is a documentary photographer and Curator of the 4th Street Photo Gallery in the East Village. When David first came to America, it was in the late 1980’s. He is from England but loves the people and the light of New York. The city is so theatrical it seems to be asking to be photographed. David also mentions versatility and how one can walk just two blocks in New York and feel like they’re in a new place. He states how important it is for his program to build strong relationship with their surroundings and community He was able to open a gallery featuring hundreds of images

Segment 2

David is asked what attracted him to the ICP and he explains how it is a perfect fit for him. He enjoys the creative side to his work by taking a space that is given and presenting it in different ways. He also likes collaborating with others to produce a quality finished product. Next, he talks about how in a photography institution, everyone will have a variety of reactions towards an image. That is less likely to occur with painting and drawing. The ICP has a show running currently featuring the theme of life and how it just goes on. He says that it is very gentile and observational work. His staff works with the artist to coordinate the gallery.

Segment 3

The second half of the show will be with the guest Alex Harsley who has photographed a number of historic figures throughout the years. After being taught to be a farmer, he concluded that was not what he wanted to do and moved to New York. He first got into photography in 1957. He eventually got into photojournalism and got to see a different perspective on situations that others did not. Furthermore, he talks about how much he wanted to take photography in school because equipment was not very accessible for him. Most people only used cameras for capturing portraits and significant moments. His family had a camera but was not allowed to touch it. After he got his equipment he began capturing moments of his life, friends and environment.

Segment 4

Alex is asked about if racism was an issue while transitioning from North Carolina to New York in the 1950’s. He explains how there was some discrimination but the neighborhood he grew up in was a melting pot and nobody was racist. Alex first started the 4th Street Photo Gallery after observing what was occurring in Far Rockaway New York. He took some documentary shots which contributed to opening the gallery in 1974. Next, Alex confesses how it is the diversity and ability to dream of the East Village citizens that motivates him to continue doing work in that area.