Exhibitions

LONNIE SCHLEIN:  Editing the World

An Installation of Works by New York Photographer, Lonnie Schlein

July 24 – August 18, 2012

Opening Reception, Friday, July 27^th, 7-9 p.m.

Press Release:

The WKP Kennedy Gallery is pleased and honoured to host the Canadian debut of Editing the World, an important exhibition by the esteemed American photographer, Lonnie Schlein. For over 35 years, Mr. Schlein worked as photo-editor for The New York Times while simultaneously pursuing his own career as a photographer. In 2001, he was assigned to handle all photography documenting the Sept. 11 attacks on The United States for the paper’s special section, “A Nation Challenged,” which won the Pulitzer Prize. He also edited The Times’ photo book, “A Nation Challenged,” which remained on the best-seller list for several months.

While at The New York Times, Mr. Schlein served as Foreign Picture Editor and was in charge of photo coverage during the fall of Gorbachev and other major world events; he served as National Picture Editor during both the Clinton and Bush Administrations, and spent much time in Washington directing coverage of three Presidential Elections, Inaugurations, and the Impeachment process. He has also served in the Metro, and Arts sections, as well as the Travel section where he assigned stories to photographers all over the world. In 2010, he left the paper to devote himself full-time to freelance photography.

Editing the World is the culmination of years of observing and capturing the candid moment, whether it be the view from a misty mountain, a chance meeting with a stranger, or a serendipitous arrangement of colour and shapes. “I am in love with photography,” Schlein says. Whatever the image, the common thread throughout is most often the human element, and what most intrigues this seasoned photographer is not so much the surface, but what lies beneath. Through his lens we journey to far corners of the globe and glimpse an honest intimacy that reveals the true and universal spirit of people everywhere.

Mr. Schlein was a guest juror and lecturer at the “Chianciano International Award for Digital and Photographic Art 2010” held at the Chianciano Museum in Italy, and this year will be returning as president of the jury for the event. Editing the World was on exhibit at the Thrasher-Horne Center for the Arts in Florida earlier this year, and more than 100 of his photographs are currently on display in the newly established Casa Gagliardi galleries in northern Italy.

We are delighted that over 50 of this important photographer’s works will be on display at the WKP Kennedy Gallery until August 18^th. Mr. Schlein will give a short talk during the Opening Reception, 7-9 p.m. on Friday, July 27^th. He will be in North Bay from July 23^rd to the 28^th, and will be present during the installation of his works, July 24^th, during which time the gallery will be open to visitors.

Editing the World is curated by Michelle LaRiviere, who met Mr. Schlein in Italy at the Chianciano event in which she took part. She is a local artist, founder of the AOM Gallery located at Art on Main, and currently sits as chair on the WKP Kennedy Gallery Advisory Committee.

by Michelle LaRiviere