On the occasion of the fortieth anniversary of Chim's untimely death, those who treasure his work have joined forces to produce an ambitious book, exhibition, and website. As Chim's nephew, and inspired by Chim's sister (my mother), I am pleased that so many people have contributed to these multiple efforts. The masterfully produced book with the detailed, historical, and thoughtful essay by Inge Bondi and emotional introductory essays by Henri Cartier-Bresson and Cornell Capa presents Chim's work in a compelling way.
For me, Chim's photography inspired me for its human concern and unique photographic qualities of relationship with subject. In so many of Chim's photos, the subjects are clearly communicating with the photographer, telling their personal story, revealing their emotional state, and wanting to be understood. The photographer and subject are in partnership to tell a story. Instead of stealing their photos or posing for a portrait, Chim created a new vantage point for photographers.
The Book
In this first comprehensive retrospective of Chim's work, over 150 images are featured, many never-before published. A haunting social portrait and critique of the turbulent events of the twentieth century emerges, from the powerful images of France's Front Populaire and the Spanish Civil War in the 1930's to the devastating aftermath of World War II and the birth of Israel.
CHIM: The Photographs of David Seymour
The Exhibition
An exhibition from the Permanent Collection of the International Center of Photography
CHIM: The Photographs of David Seymour
September 13 - November 3, 1996
This exhibition was made possible by a generous grant from The Skirball Foundation, with additional support from Eileen Shneiderman, The Ethel and Irvin Edelman Foundations, and the following Friends of Chim: Eve Arnold, Edie and Cornell Capa, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Burt Glinn, Erich Lessing, Wayne Miller, Inge Morath, John G. Morris, Marc Riboud, Ben Shneiderman, and Dennis Stock.
ICP Midtown is sponsored by Eastman Kodak Company, with the Durst Family as Lead Benefactor.
The Website
This website and kiosk supports the publication and exhibition of the same name. We hope that this new medium will make Chim's work accessible to new and wider audiences. This innovative application of network technology carries forward the tradition of photojournalism, especially the theme of "concerned photography" which is to show the joys of life and point to the things that need to be changed.
CHIM: The Photographs of David Seymour
The website is innovative in terms of providing an overview timeline of Chim's life, organized into nine sections, following the structure developed by Inge Bondi for the book. It allows the user to preserve their orientation while navigating, and gives them flexibility and control over the display of photos and text.