"As a rule I do not like to explain my photographs, I want my pictures to be read and explored. I believe a good picture is open to many individual (subjective) associations. I am usually pleased when a viewer finds interpretations that I myself had not been aware of."
~ John Gutmann
(1905-1998)
Today's Power of Photography comes from John Randolph, friend of the gallery and London based collector.
"I have often wondered what it must have been like to capture a stunning image that is so perfect that you would be unable to emulate it even if you tried many times. Having that ability is what makes you a really special photographer.
John Gutmann was one of these. Perhaps not the most well known of photographers but he made an indelible mark on the craft of photography with this stunning image of Marjorie Gestring who was only 13 at the time and the youngest winner of an Olympic gold medal (1936 Berlin Olympics). Sadly her Olympic career was cut short by the war and never fulfilled her potential.
Being Jewish, John was forced to leave Berlin in the 1930’s. Throughout his life he would always remember the excitement of that City. The energy, expressionism, the culture - before the darkness of oppression cast its long shadow over the lifeblood of that City and snuffed it out. It just shows how much self belief he had - to reinvent himself and leave us with this remarkable image.
I wish you all peace. "
~ John Randolph
Thank you John for sharing your thoughts on this great John Gutmann work!