One of the proudest associations I have had in my career is my longstanding relationship with Monroe Gallery in Santa Fe. The gallery represents historically important photojournalism, and Sid and Michelle Monroe are fierce advocates of the importance of photojournalism, as well as fierce defenders of artists who create out the work they put on their wall. They are also some of the most knowledgeable in the industry, having a wealth of experience with the history, legends and legends of this art and craft.
On Friday, July 1, they launch an important exhibition. “Imagine a world without photojournalists,” which coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Santa Fe gallery. Their walls will simply vibrate with famous, important, provocative, challenging, memorable, sad and glorious slices of our lives and times. The images enrich, infuriate, demoralize and soothe the soul. Your eyes and heart will never be the same after seeing this collection of works.
Sid and Michelle are close friends and now they know me well. Whenever I sell a photo through the gallery, I never ask for money. I left it with them, building a bank account over time, at the showroom. When I have enough stock to buy a print, I choose one. Such as CPO Jackson, above, in the banner photo. I have it on my wall and see it every day.
Performed by formidable LIFE officer Ed Clark, it depicts Navy CPO Graham Jackson as he plays “Goin’ Home” on the accordion while President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s body is brought from the Warm Foundation Springs, where he died suddenly of a stroke on April 12, 1945. According to the story, he had a personal relationship with FDR, so his grief, therefore, manifests itself profoundly in the frame. This picture is about both the loss of a leader and a friend.
Today’s photo is just as poignant, relevant and heart-pounding as the day Mr. Jackson was playing that accordion, and Ed Clark pressed the shutter. Without the hearts and minds of photojournalists, a photo like this wouldn’t exist. Without the photographers risking their lives in Ukraine, we would not have known and therefore could not have felt the weight and horror of the madness raging there.
Photojournalists are often unwelcome, as we show, with their liberal style, which many people don’t want to see or realize. But visual storytelling is needed more than ever. As our country turned into hateful tribalism, and skepticism flourished, fed by unfounded ignorance, I looked into the face of CPO Jackson from a long time. before. There is truth in tears.
More tk….
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