F&M Stories

Images captured by Magnum Photos, the famous international cooperative whose photographers travel the world capturing the many facets of humanity—in conflict and in harmony—form one of this fall's exhibits at Franklin & Marshall College's Phillips Museum of Art.

Founded after World War II by the renowned Robert Capa and five other photojournalists, the cooperative has produced some iconic photos in the seven decades since. The Phillips Museum now owns a significant collection, generous gifts from the parents of two alumni and an alumnus.

Among the Phillips' fall exhibitions is "Magnum Photographers: Capturing Moments," a selection of 10 photos, curated by Museum Director Lindsay Marino and Janie Kreines, curator of academic affairs and community engagement.

This is the first exhibition curated from the Dr. Stephen J. and Eileen Nicholas P'20 donation. The exhibit also includes previously gifted photos by Howard L. Ganek P'86 and Burton M. Leibert '66.

"The historic events that Magnum photographers have documented over the past 70 years range from art and celebrity to war and conflict," Marino said.

The exhibit's photographs were shot by René Burri, Elliott Erwitt, Leonard Freed, Burt Glinn, Erich Hartmann, Gilles Peress, Marc Riboud and three of the cooperative's six founders: Henri Cartier-Bresson, George Rodger and David Seymour.

"During the first years of the cooperative, the founding artists split up the globe into assigned coverage areas, much of which had not been documented through photography before," Marino said. "'Magnum photographers' work is based on social equality and human rights."

Phillips Museum Other Fall Exhibits

—In an attempt for actors and citizens of means to become more "natural," fashion wear and theater performances underwent dramatic changes between 1770 and 1830. However, their desire was seen by the public at large as absurd since fashion and theater were by their nature deceptive.

"Artful Nature: Fashion and Theatricality," an exhibit curated by Duquesne University Professor Laura Engel and F&M Professor of Art History Amelia Rauser, explores the paradox of "artful nature" through the changes in the conception of theatricality, and reflected in fashion, during this period. The exhibit is on loan from Yale University's Lewis Walpole Library.

—Artist Kathleen Elliot asks, "What are the physical and societal costs of accepting commercial hype and prioritizing convenience over lasting health?"

Through her exhibit of collages and constructions made partly or entirely from food-packaging, "Questionable Foods" offers direction for navigating the field of hyperbole and manipulation that surrounds the relentless marketing of food as a commercial product.

"She uses intricate glass sculptures and collages made with recycled food containers to talk about manipulation and modification found in much of today's processed foods," Marino said. "Her work raises important dietary questions."

This exhibition was organized by Katharine Carter and Associates.

The fall exhibitions at the Phillips Museum of Art are open until Dec. 10. The museum's hours are noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday.