| We are all deeply saddened by the news that photographer Mary Ellen Mark passed away (on Monday). She was widely recognized as an extraordinary talent and a remarkable practitioner in the field of photography. Mary Ellen has been a dear friend for years. Mary Ellen was chosen for the Cornell Capa Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001. She was also honored by ICP as one of the most celebrated women documentary photographers. That afternoon, she led a fascinating conversation about the profound influence of women in the field. She was a force in photography, offering her strong opinions and astute observations about the state of the medium. She graced our faculty and inspired her students. Mary Ellen was a model of dedication, curiosity, imagination, professionalism, and stamina, all of which is necessary to thrive as an artist. What separated her from the deep talent pool of contemporary photographers was her unique ability to pursue editorial and commercial assignments without losing sight of her personal vision. She was an outstanding exemplar of what it means to build a simple project into a complex visual narrative and her work never failed to engage the viewer in worlds that would otherwise go unseen or unnoticed. She will be missed by all of us, yet we know that her spirit will live on in her many books and countless photographic works. On a personal note, Mary Ellen was a great friend, and I will miss her tremendously. Please join me in celebrating the life and spirit of my dear friend Mary Ellen Mark. |
Sincerely, Mr. BYE. |
