KARSH MASTERWORKSA TRIBUTE
Exhibition opens in Ottawa and on the Web
Ottawa, September 17, 2002
Karsh MasterworksA Tribute, produced by the National Archives
of Canada, the Portrait Gallery of Canada and the National Library of
Canada, celebrates the life of Yousuf Karsh and presents a selection of
his worksthe lasting legacy of the world-famous portrait photographer.
Arriving in Canada as an Armenian immigrant in 1924, he became "Karsh
of Ottawa," capturing memorable images of the leading figures of
the 20th century. The exhibition is on view from September 18 to November
3 at the National Archives and the National Library building, 395 Wellington
Street, Ottawa, and from September 18 on the National Archives Web
site.
The portraits in the
exhibition show the wide range of personalities who trusted Karsh to bring
out what he called their "inward power"Glenn Gould and
Einstein, Churchill and Joan Crawford, Kenojuak and Pope Pius XII, to
name but a few. The exhibition also provides the opportunity to see examples
of Karsh's early photographic experiments, of portraits of people whose
names are not well known, and of some of his commercial and industrial
assignments, as well as books of his work and a selected bibliography.
"His acute perception
of greatness in others has left a lasting legacy to the people of Canada,"
said Canadian Heritage Minister Sheila Copps. "His memorable images
have become icons of our time."
"The National
Archives is honoured to hold in trust for all Canadians, the complete
Karsh Collection more than 300,000 negatives and prints
an incomparable resource," said National Archivist Ian E. Wilson.
"He has captured and communicated the essence of his subjects to
us."
"This exhibition
clearly illustrates Karsh's stature as a great artist and a great Canadian,"
said Roch Carrier, National Librarian. "The National Library of Canada
is proud to participate in this homage to a master."
Yousuf Karsh,
a complementary exhibition of Karsh's photographic equipment is on view
at the Canada Science and Technology Museum, 1867 St. Laurent Boulevard,
Ottawa, until November 10.
Karsh MasterworksA
Tribute is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 395 Wellington Street,
Ottawa from
September 18 to November 3, 2002. Admission is free. For general enquiries
call 996-5115 or 1-866-578-777.
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For more information
please contact:
Michal Anne
Crawley
National Archives of Canada
Telephone: (613) 992-9361
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Pauline Portelance
National Library of Canada
Telephone: (613) 996-6128
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