The Center for Photography at Woodstock (CPW) is presenting a major exhibition titled "Larry Fink: Sensual Empathy," celebrating the remarkable work of one of America's last great humanist photographers. Curated by acclaimed writer Lucy Sante, the exhibition highlights Fink's extraordinary instinct for capturing the essence of social moments across all levels of American society.
Throughout his six-decade career, Larry Fink famously turned his lens on diverse subjects, from glamorous New York and Hollywood gala attendees to working-class rural Americans partying in their own homes. His photographic range also encompassed civil rights demonstrations and 1960s jazz legends, demonstrating his versatility and commitment to documenting American life. As curator Lucy Sante observes, "All of those circumstances engaged his rapid eye, his almost painterly chiaroscuro, and his identification with the human beings he photographed, good, bad, or ugly."
The exhibition features works from Fink's seminal "Social Graces" series, alongside powerful imagery from his civil rights and jazz photography. Adding depth to the visual presentation, the show also includes selected poems and personal musings written by Fink throughout his career, providing insight into his artistic philosophy and approach to photography.
Born in Brooklyn in 1941, Larry Fink (1941-2023) was first introduced to photography by his father and demonstrated early talent by winning his first photography contest at age fourteen. He briefly studied at The New School, where he received mentorship from renowned photographer Lisette Model, who significantly influenced his artistic development. Immersed in New York's vibrant Beat scene, Fink photographed poets, painters, and musicians, which deepened his lifelong love for jazz music and culture.
Fink's distinctive use of flash photography resulted in his signature high-contrast black-and-white images, which he described as "political, not polemical." These dramatic photographs captured both tender and spectacular moments, showcasing his ability to find beauty and meaning in diverse social situations. His preference for flash lighting created the painterly chiaroscuro effects that became his trademark style.
In the early 1970s, Fink expanded his focus to document Manhattan's exclusive nightlife scene, including the famous Studio 54 and elaborate debutante balls. Simultaneously, he was photographing rural life in Pennsylvania, creating a fascinating dual perspective on American society. This contrasting approach to documenting both elite and working-class communities culminated in his acclaimed "Social Graces" series, which was exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in 1979 and later published by Aperture in 1984.
The "Social Graces" series particularly showcased Fink's deep empathy for his subjects and his masterful use of flash-lit photography. The work demonstrated his unique ability to capture authentic moments across different social strata while maintaining respect and humanity in his portrayals of both wealthy socialites and rural Americans.
This comprehensive exhibition is organized in partnership with the MUUS Collection and runs through August 31, 2025. The Center for Photography at Woodstock is located at 25 Dederick Street in Kingston, New York, and visitors can find more information at www.cpw.org. The exhibition offers viewers a chance to experience the full range of Fink's photographic legacy and his significant contribution to American documentary photography.
