One of the world’s most legendary photographers and photojournalists, Mary Ellen Mark, has died on Monday, aged 75.
Mark, who had spent her life traveling to the ‘forgotten’ parts of the world and photographing the strange and beautiful, died after a long battle with myelodysplastic syndrome.
Starting in her home of Philadelphia, Mark began to refine her craft by photographing anti-war protests, women’s rights movements and the struggles of those on the street. It was for this work that Mary Ellen became associated with photographing the gritty, unpolished version of reality. Her work, in her own words, acknowledged the downtrodden.
“I feel an affinity for people who haven’t had the best breaks in society,” said Mark, “What I want to do more than anything is acknowledge their existence.”
In the course of her oustanding career, Mark was honoured with three Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Awards, three fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, the 2014 Lifetime Achievement in Photography Award from the George Eastman House and the Outstanding Contribution Photography Award from the World Photography Organisation.
Mary is survived by her partner, Martin.
“Belen Tightrope Walker”, 1997.
“Two Brothers Tulsi and Basant”, 1989.
“Damali shopping at BJ’s”, 1980.
“Turkish Immigrants”, 1965.
“Rat and Mike with a Gun”, 1997.
“Coney Island”, 1994.
“Want More”.
“Tiny Blowing a Bubble”, 1983.
“Amanda and her Cousin”, 1990.
“Pinky, Shiva Ji, and Laxmi”, 1990.
“Homeless Damm Family in Their Car”, 1987.
“Mira, Shfali, and Pushpa at Famous Circus”, 1989.
“Pro-Vietnam Demonstration, NY”, 1968
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
.png?resize=380%2C285)
.jpg?resize=380%2C285)
Native ad body.
.png?resize=380%2C285)
