Martin Karplus Documentary Photography
The Harvard Chemist-Turned-Artist Reveals An Extraordinary Portfolio
In ans extraordinary collection of photographs taken over the `50s, American photographer Martin Karplus seems to balance the “moment” with an uncommon ability for “split-second” compositions. The pictures derive their effectiveness from capturing fragments of life at precisely the right instant, much like Cartier-Bresson's "Decisive Moment" – the elusive instant when the elements within a scene unite in a climax of effect. But in this, Karplus' everyday street scenes seem effortlessly evaluated, uncontrived, and more than merely evidentiary.
Capturing what was at the time contemporary images that presented themselves to the eager eye of a young traveler exploring the world and its many cultures; these works have matured along with the now octogenarian Karplus into a treasure of glimpses into an “older” post-war Europe and America. Yet several of Karplus’ portraits possess an extraordinary timelessness in his study of people. Culture may change with the passing of time but it is evident in these works that human emotion and expression is unchanging.
Having been rarely viewed in a lifetime; the images appear to possess that "newness" and a vibrancy of colour that cause the viewer to feel as though they were taken yesterday; an emotion eloquently juxtaposed with the evidence of cultures and clothing long since lost to history.
Karplus again and again, expresses an assured understanding of composition in a genuine instance of choice. There is a natural flare to the photographer's images, where the convergance of timing and choice plays a part that Karplus uses as well as any great professional. A moment through the lens, repeated to perfection, capturing a period long since past, and a mood and style soon lost to the passage of time, economic, political, and cultural changes. A passage of time that has only added to the fascination for Karplus’ oeuvre.
As Karplus says himself; Wanting to keep the memory of what I saw during those trips, I took many photos. These photos preserve my vision of a world that has largely disappeared since then. Economic growth, global communications and war have irreversible consequences. Many towns and villages that I visited were replaced or destroyed. The traditional dress of the time exists only for tourists, the social fabric of communities has been broken. Many people I photographed belong to this last generation to live as we lived for centuries. Each place visited in Europe and the United States had its own traditions that no longer exist.
These works are an abundant resource and insight into an America and Europe of the 1950s, simultaneously documentary and poetic in nature, delivered through one man's genuine and selfless talent.
The artist's work may be viewed at the Harvard Gallery upon request.
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