It’s hard to believe that one of the finest and most notable
female photographers of Americas’ photographic history has passed away. Mary Ellen Mark had established herself and defined her enigmatic style of
photojournalism, documentary photography, and portraiture and advertising
photographic prowess.
She had remarkable resilience and her work shows us great
depth to her as a human being, her photographs documenting the world in which
women live, stories ranging from Ward 81 a woman’s ward in an asylum, girl
prostitutes in Bombay, Tiny (a lifelong project), a homeless child/woman,
Mother Theresa, high school Proms, even the Indian circuses, all talk about
life and death in our world.
The works have spanned over a collection of books and
many exhibitions showcasing her incredible photographic perspective of the
world. Admittedly I had not really looked at the works until viewing a film
entitled ‘Everybody Street’ produced by Lucy Cooper and directed by Cheryl
Dunn.
I was in awe of her then, and still am to this day, it is
saddening to hear of her passing. However, I feel my life is greatly enriched
for her being born and pursuing the art of photography, her works will continue
to inspire many to come who will choose a similar path and pursue a career as
wonderful and magical as hers.
Her accolades include the Cornell Capa
Award by the International Center of Photography, the Infinity Award forJournalism, an Erna & Victor Hasselblad Foundation Grant, and a Walter
Annenberg Grant. Among her other awards are the John Simon Guggenheim Fellowship,
the Matrix Award for outstanding woman in the field of film/photography, and
the Dr. Erich Salomon Award for outstanding merits in the field of journalistic
photography.
Mary Ellen Mark, was also presented with
honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degrees from her Alma Mater, the University of
Pennsylvania and the University of the Arts; three fellowships from the
National Endowment for the Arts; the Photographer of the Year Award from the
Friends of Photography; the World Press Award for Outstanding Body of Work Throughout
the Years; the Victor Hasselblad Cover Award; two Robert F. Kennedy Awards; and
the Creative Arts Award Citation for Photography at Brandeis University.
Outstanding contribution to the field of
photography and film, and I am sure thousands of tributes will be pouring out
to highlight such a marvelous career.
Rest in Peace Mary Ellen Mark, you will
be sadly missed.
