"A film is painterly. A photograph is sculptural. Likewise, the magazine is often at its best when we bring photographers to projects that fall outside their usual borders," says photographer Ryan McGinley.Kate Winslet in hair rollers, firefighters on the streets of New York City on 9/11, and a swimmer competing in the Olympics.
Those are only a few of the dozens of photographs included in the exhibit "The New York Times Magazine Photographs" now at the Hunter Museum of American Art.
"A film is painterly. A photograph is sculptural. Likewise, the magazine is often at its best when we bring photographers to projects that fall outside their usual borders," says photographer Ryan McGinley.For more than 30 years, the weekly New York Times Magazine has commissioned and published work ranging from photojournalism to fashion to portraiture, according to huntermuseum.org. The exhibit features photographs mostly taken in the last 15 years spotlights a number of projects published in the magazine.
"Photography has played a role in our lives in one way or another -- from capturing memories to monumental events in time -- it allows us to reflect on the significant moments that have happened within our lifetime," says Hannah Legg, the Hunter's director of communications.
Along with the photos, Kathy Ryan, the magazine's photo editor, also offers commentary and stories on how the photographs and projects came together.
"What makes this exhibition particularly special is that it provides the visitor with a behind-the-scenes look at how The New York Times Magazine not only makes it a priority to develop exceptional content, but to also create moving visual experiences for its readers," Legg says.
"A film is painterly. A photograph is sculptural. Likewise, the magazine is often at its best when we bring photographers to projects that fall outside their usual borders," says photographer Ryan McGinley.For example, Ryan McGinley's photographs in the exhibit focus on Olympic swimmers and skiers.
"Often the best creative work happens when there is a crossover between different disciplines," McGinley says in a news release. "A film is painterly. A photograph is sculptural. Likewise, the magazine is often at its best when we bring photographers to projects that fall outside their usual borders. When a fine artist takes on a news story, or a documentary photographer embarks on a fashion shoot, sparks fly from the page."
Professional photographers Kathleen Cole Greeson, of Signal Mountain, and Ann Jackson, of Soddy-Daisy, welcome the exhibit to Chattanooga.
"This exhibit is an opportunity to see work from some of the best photographers in the world and an opportunity for those not in the business to view the process behind the photos," says Greeson. "Documentary photographs are moments in time with great historical value and I am excited that this work will be available to anyone with an appreciation for photography."
Jackson says the exhibit can be especially informative for teenagers, letting them "see what has happened in their lifetime."
Contact Karen Nazor Hill at khill@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6396.