Joel Meyerowitz Aftermath Series on Display at Pollak Gallery Until March 22
The University’s Center for the Arts is presenting selected works from the Joel Meyerowitz Aftermath Series, an exhibit documenting New York City after September 11, 2001 through photographs.
After September 11, 2001, the Ground Zero site was classified as a crime scene, and only those directly involved in recovery efforts were allowed inside. With the help of the Museum of the City of New York and certain city officials, award-winning photographer Joel Meyerowitz obtained unlimited access to the area. The press and other photographers were not as fortunate in gaining unrestricted rights of entry into Ground Zero.
Day and night, for nine consecutive months, Meyerowitz documented “the pile” as the World Trade Center and the estimated 800 people that helped during the recovery process came to be known as. Meyerowitz knew that if he did not make a photographic record of the recovery efforts “there would be no history.”
“Using photography to document history really helps to get an accurate historical perspective on a particular event because it demonstrates physical proof and evidence,” said Harmony Bailey, sophomore history major. “Seeing these pictures of the tragedy that occurred on September 11 really hits home. I remember watching it on television back in third grade and seeing these pictures really brought that reality back.”
The exhibit contains 53 photographs, including Cave of Steel (2001), Remains on a Stokes Basket (2001), Paper Flag on a Wall (2001), Fresh Kills, Sifted Objects (2002), and First Anniversary (2002). The pictures all convey pride and unity in an effort to restore the country after the terrorist attack.
These works have been gifted to the school over the past two years. The first group of 25 prints was given to the school last year and the remainder was received in this most recent donation to the University.
“All of these prints are part of our permanent collection,” said Scott Knauer, Director of Galleries and Collections. “We are fortunate to have such a rare collection of completely original prints from a photographer. We have the first-run, first-print photographs, and that is extremely unique.”
A number of Meyerowitz’s compelling photographs have been made into a book, “Aftermath: The World Trade Center Archive,” which contains over 8,000 images recalling the event.
Tatianna Lesien, sophomore art major, stated, “I appreciate these photographs not only because I am an art major, but because I am an American. The photographs capture how we as a country united and overcame such a difficult time period.” She continued, “My absolute favorite piece was Chief (2002). It shows the Chief of the New York Fire Department standing in front of a mound of rubble, smiling. It is a great contrast, and it truly shows that America would only grow from that point forward.”
The exhibit is free and on display to the public until March 22 in the Pollak Gallery. “I appreciate the fact that the University allows photographers and artists to display their artwork on campus for us to see and reflect on,” stated Bailey. Pollak Gallery is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.
This exhibition is made possible by the generous gifts from Mr. and Mrs. Simon Levin, Mr. and Mrs. Steven Gross, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Zucker, and Mr. Jeffrey Newman.
PHOTO COURTESY of Brianna McCabe
