December Artist of the Month: Achmed John Assaff

Art At The Kent Library

Sponsored by The Friends of the Kent Library 

with Arts on the Lake

Exhibition Dates: December 1st to December 31st

Achmed John Assaff

IN TUNE - A selected collection of street photography

A native New Yorker, Achmed John Assaff was born in 1941 on 104th Street and Lexington Avenue. John grew up near Central Park and knew all its majestic views, paths, and ponds like the back of his hand. The park was a place he considered home and would become the connective tissue of a body of work he photographed in his late 20's, setting in motion a life-long love of photography.

 

For a five year period between 1968-1973, John socialized with like-minded photographers and other regulars around Bethesda Fountain in Central Park, an active meeting place where he spent most weekends and his days off as an Aircraft Mechanic at Pan American Airways. It was an exciting time and John was seldom seen without his Pentax camera. Relishing the spontaneous opportunities the day would bring, his vibrant portraits of musicians, activists, and park goers were a consistent source of inspiration for him. The city was changing and culture was on full display as current events unfolded along Fifth Avenue, including frequent protests against the Vietnam War and women’s rights demonstrations.

 

Self-taught, John’s hobby developed to have a documentary-style flair. His keen observation, composition, and use of natural light captured social issues on display in and around the park. Now, more than fifty years later, the subjects he photographed still resonate. In retrospect, John photographed a time-capsule of many intimate and powerful moments in New York City’s ever evolving history.

"Bethesda-Fountain"

Matted Photo $75

Framed $200

"Bethesda-Guitarist"

Matted Photo $75

Framed $200

"Woman Unite"

Matted Photo $75

Framed $200