The subject of death has been a constant throughout the history of photography. This episode we discuss the many ways death has been represented (both literally and metaphorically) in photographs. We'll look at the past practice of post-mortem and mourning photography, as well as ponder the words and images of more contemporary  writers and image-makers. This is a special "Day of the Dead" episode.

Links:

"Beyond The Black Veil" book

"Dead Soldier" photo by Matthew Brady

Robert Mapplethorpe's Death

Susan Sontag

Roland Barthes

A wonderful discussion about the life and work of (East) German photographer Sibylle Bergemann. My guest is Ina Schmidt-Runke, a curator from the Kicken Gallery in Berlin. Ina enlightens me on the complex world that Bergemann found herself in, living and creating art behind the Berlin Wall during the days of the Cold War.

Links:

Sibylle Bergemann at the Berlinische Galerie

Sibylle Bergemann at Ostkreuz

Kicken Gallery

This episode we take a look at the classic 1986 photo book "Subway" by Bruce Davidson. A time capsule of "old" New York City and a monumental photographic study of urban life, all steeped in deeply saturated colors. Part of this episode includes a "Worth A Thousand Words" discussion about one particular image from the book.

Links:

The cover image (deep dive discussion)

Subway at the Magnum Photo website

More Bruce Davidson work on artnet.com

This episode I welcome Aline Smithson to the podcast. Aline is the driving force behind Lenscratch, a fantastic online showcase of contemporary photography, in all its varied glory. She is also a prolific photo-based artist who delves into the world of analogue processes in her inspiring, personal artwork. A great chat!

Aline Smithson website

Lenscratch website

Fugue State portfolio

Shadows and Stains portfolio

The Lonesome Doll portfolio

Some "Hugo" information

Famed German filmmaker Wim Wenders is also a well-respected still photographer. A recent purchase of the book "Wim Wenders: Instant Stories" is the impetus for this episode, where we'll explore the crossing paths of still photography and moving pictures in his decades-spanning career. We'll also delve into his films "Alice in the Cities" and "Palermo Shooting" both of which feature still photography as an integral part of their storylines.

Links:

Wim Wenders Official website

Wim Wenders Polaroid photography

Alice In The Cities on Criterion

Palermo Shooting (bad review)

Season Two kicks off with a great interview with curator and writer David Campany. David curated the current William Klein exhibition at the International Center of Photography in New York City. We discuss the inspiring life and work of Klein in this lively conversation. The exhibit is still open until September 12th, so if your are in the NYC go see it!

Links of work mentioned in the episode:

ICP William Klein Exhibition website

Moscow "Bikini" photo

David Campany website

Many thanks to the staff at the ICP for their help coordinating the interview and accommodating my visit to the exhibition.

In conjunction with his one man show at 516 Arts, I sit down for a great talk with local Albuquerque photographer Nathaniel Paolinelli.

Links:

Nathaniel's website

Nathaniel on Instagram

516 Arts Exhibition Link

A lively discussion about the life and art of pioneering gay photographer and filmmaker, Jim Bidgood. I talk with Jim's friend and estate executor Kelly McKaig about this unique man and his groundbreaking artistic life. I also include some personal memories of my time working with Jim in the early '00s.

LINKS:

The Photos We Discussed on the Episode (open for reference of discussion!)

Jim Bidgood's work at ClampArt Gallery website

Aperture article about Jim Bidgood

Jim's NYT Obituary

A Nice Overview of Jim and his life (via gaycitynews.com)

Recorded on the side of the highway, this episode discusses the  patience required to create long-term photography projects. Sometimes the best things come to those who wait. Consider it a "ride along" as I head down the interstate, cameras at my side.
Grass, gas, or Tri-X, nobody rides for free!

Links:

Saguaro National Park

Center for Creative Photography, Tucson

Etherton Gallery

This episode, I talk with Joan Liftin, who has had an illustrious career in photography. Besides being a photographer with three monographs under her belt, Joan spent many years as a teacher at the ICP and a photo editor at the esteemed Magnum Photos. Plus, she was married to photographer Charles Harbutt. I really enjoyed this conversation, I hope you do, too.


Joan Liftin at the ICP

Charles Harbutt at Artnet

Magnum Photos