International Center of Photography

Buraco

Photo heaven 12th May 2007

3 found this helpful

My attempt at hitting the shops encountered some formidable barriers at an early stage. Not normally one for retail indulgence, my appetite was swiftly dampened by the combo of relentless rain and rampaging hoards of Big Apple voyeurs and uber-consumers. Gripped by despair when I found myself floundering in Times Square – that most grandiose monument to consumerism – I sought cultural solace.

First up was the International Center (sic – I always wanted to write that to stick a sly two-fingers up at Americanised English) for Photography. Its unassuming façade can easily be missed (no Gugenheim this) and for $12 entry is cheaper than some of NY's more celebrated galleries. It has a progressive feel, though tips an appreciative hat to the long-forgotten pioneers of the art. The main exhibition featured Martin Munkacsi – a Hungarian master craftsman who is little known today, but has a reputation as one of the true greats.

I found it fascinating as it tracked Munkacsi's adventures from his native land, through Nazi Germany, to Africa, Brazil and more. The shots from his extraordinary life cover sport, dance, fashion, travel and the hugely dramatic political events of the time. I came away feeling enlightened and delighted, which must be a sign of an effective exhibition. If all their expos are of this calibre, the ICP is a must do for any culture vulture.