Harold Feinstein was born in Coney Island in 1931. When he passed away in 2015 the New York Times declared him: “One of the most accomplished recorders of the American experience.”
He began his photography career in 1946 at age 15. Within four short years, Edward Steichen, an early supporter, had purchased his work for the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
He joined the Photo League at 17 and became a prominent figure of the early New York City street photography scene and one of the original inhabitants of the legendary “jazz loft”.
Read moreThis photograph was taken in 1987 when Harold was people-watching in the outdoor cafes of Paris. Since an exhibition of Harold’s work is once again on view in Paris (Graciously Yours, Galerie Thierry Bigaignon, May 24-August 31, 2018) it seemed a logical time to post this photo, which appears in the film Last Stop Coney Island: The life and photography of Harold Feinstein.
Earlier this year filmmaker Andy Dunn previewed an edit of the film for Philippe Garner (Emeritus head of Photography, Christie’s) who appears in it. Philippe was delighted to see his good friend Robert Vallois (left) in the photo! Robert and his wife, Cheska, are pre-eminent experts in Art Deco and own three galleries in Paris and New York.
Harold had no idea who was in this photo, but loved the scene. Now if I can only find out who the other two men are…and of course, the dog!
Related link: Philippe Garner commentary on Harold’s work at Photo London, 2017.
After the huge success of the 2017 exhibit Contagious Optimism, which drew 5000 visitors and a tremendous wave of media, Galerie Thierry Bigaignon now presents the second part of the retrospective dedicated to Harold Feinstein, with 21 contemporary and vintage… Continue reading
The Griffin Museum of Photography’s Focus Awards!! Flashpoint Boston portfolio reviews!! Brunch with the stars!! The truth is… I haven’t had this much fun in a long time! I notified my friends and family that this was going to be… Continue reading
I was sorry not to be able to go to the opening reception for Harold Feinstein: The Legacy of a Photographer, a magnificent retrospective, which opened on May 16th at O’Art, the corporate art space for Odea Bank in Istanbul.… Continue reading
“When people come to this country and they see the Statue of Liberty, I think there should be a sign there that says ‘Come with me to Coney Island first!’ Because whatever New York is to the United States, Coney… Continue reading
I realize there is a thread here that runs through my annual reflection marked by the day of Harold’s passing (June 20, 2015) . It’s the thread of time and no time; and it is still, for me, the frame… Continue reading
Included among the prints being exhibited at the up-coming show, Graciously Yours (Galerie Thierry Bigaignon, May 24-August 31) are a number of Coney Island photographs that speak to a quiet side of the famed amusement park away from the screams… Continue reading
Hands, arms, legs, backs, torsos! In his press release describing the up-coming show Graciously Yours, (Galerie Thierry Bigaignon, May 24-August 31), Thierry Bigaignon, remarks on the “omnipresence of bodies” as a key feature of the 21 prints that will be… Continue reading
On view now in NYC: Man and wife drinking Krueger beer, 1952
This photograph, Man and wife drinking Krueger beer, 1952 is now on view at the Keith de Lellis Gallery in New York City. The exhibition Mid-Century American: Vintage Photos from the International Photography Yearbook runs from April 12-June 15th. Others… Continue reading