Iconic Photographs: Pictures that Stand the Test of Time

The Beatles Pillow Fight, Paris, 1964, Infused dyes sublimated on aluminum
Andre Kertesz

SEPTEMBER 21 – NOVEMBER 8, 2024

“Iconic Photographs: Pictures that Stand the Test of Time” showcases a diverse selection of images, demonstrating what can be achieved with skillful photography, creativity, and the right tools. These photographs serve as windows to a larger world, connecting us to a grander cosmos through their visual narratives. They weave together a complex and rich fabric of shared existence, linking the past to the present and providing a universal connection to both our eyes and our souls.

All photographs are markers in time. The instant the camera shutter closes, the present gives way to the past, leaving behind a vivid impression of a singular glimpse in time. This preserved moment belongs to a time gone by. Yet, when we view a photograph, we do so from the present. Our perception is anchored in the now—our eyes acting as conduits to the present moment, where neither the future nor the past can be fully lived.

In the relatively brief span of photography’s history, hundreds of millions of images have been captured through various processes. Yet, the fact that only a tiny fraction remain memorable or notable underscores the fleeting and elusive nature of most photographs. Like the written word, only a select few compositions leave a lasting impact, resonating with the wider public and standing the test of time.

The transformation of a photographic representation—whether of an object, person, or landscape—into something iconic occurs when it is imprinted upon our eyes, hearts, or minds. Only a select few photographs enter the collective memory, remaining relevant and notable over time. Photographs communicate in countless ways, their two-dimensional surfaces subtly hinting at the depth and complexity of the three-dimensional world they depict. For an image to become truly memorable, it must be more than a mere record; it must be ‘breathed back’ to life, making the past present in a tangible way. This exhibition features 24 iconic photographs that are both compelling and unforgettable.

In this exhibition, photographs can be broadly categorized into several distinct groups. Ansel Adams and Edward and Brett Weston focused on the natural world, capturing its grandeur and intricacies. Moving from the natural to the human realm, Bill Brandt, Arthur Rothstein, and Joe Rosenthal documented the social and economic upheavals that shaped our history. Arthur Elgort, Melvin Sokolsky, Terry O’Neill, and Frank Horvat then shift the focus to fashion and privilege, exploring these themes through memorable images. Harry Benson and Ruth Orkin highlight the era of photojournalism, capturing both survival and the fascination with larger-than-life figures. Lastly, Diane Arbus, Elliott Erwitt, and Neil Leifer showcase the ability of a skillful photographer to reveal the human spirit in its most compelling moments.

“Iconic Photographs: Pictures that Stand the Test of Time” showcases a diverse selection of images, demonstrating what can be achieved with skillful photography, creativity, and the right tools. These photographs serve as windows to a larger world, connecting us to a grander cosmos through their visual narratives. They weave together a complex and rich fabric of shared existence, linking the past to the present and providing a universal connection to both our eyes and our souls.