An artist and his city: Bruce Davidson’s photos of New York
Continuity and change. These are two virtues that define the work of 74-year-old photographer Bruce Davidson. A tribute to the celebrated American artist and senior Magnum photographer is currently taking place at the Hellenic American Union, featuring a selection of 80 photographs. Human element Since the early 1950s, Davidson has been capturing subjects of his own choice. While his prime focus has always been on the human factor, he has veered away from a straightforward, emotional and humanitarian approach. Looking at his work, viewers can sense that the photographer develops his own relationship with his subjects – essentially becoming part of the story, not just an outside observer. Choosing among the numerous and major periods of his work, and in agreement with the photographer himself, the exhibition’s curators Platon Rivellis and Elisavet Plessa selected the following three projects: «Brooklyn Gang,» a collection of photographs from the late 1950s to the early 1960s; »Subway,» a series of images shot in the mid-1980s; and «Central Park,» a project that kicked off halfway through the 1990s. All three themes focus on the city of New York – the photographer’s home. In the first part of the exhibition, the camera follows a group of friends living in working-class Brooklyn. In the second part, Davidson takes a look at life on the city’s subway, while the last collection of works takes visitors on a tour of New York’s Central Park. Hellenic American Union, 22 Massalias, Kolonaki, tel 210.368.0000.
