For over sixty years numerous world famous people in politics, theology, royalty, the arts and sciences posed for Armenian-born Canadian photographer Yousuf Karsh (1908- 2002). These “contemporary historical documents,” as he called them, are often the images by which these people are best known. Thirty black and white photographs include a large group of artists and writers, as well as architects, scientists and musicians.

Among the statesmen is Winston Churchill (1941) whose defiant look was published worldwide and became the symbol of the British Empire’s resistance to Nazi Germany. The photographs are on loan from the Detroit Institute of Arts. This exhibition is sponsored by Governor James and Janet Blanchard.

Events

Opening reception:
Friday, January 12, 6-8 p.m., hosted by Friends of Kresge
Meet honored guests Mrs. Estrellita Karsh and Karsh Curator Jerry Fielder during the reception.

Lecture:
Yousuf Karsh, Thursday, January 11, 7 p.m., East Gallery.
Lecture by Yousuf Karsh Curator Jerry Fielder.

Films:
Karsh: The Searching Eye (1986) approximately 80 minutes.
Sunday, February 4, 2 p.m., 108 Kresge Art Center.
Sunday, March 4, 2 p.m., 108 Kresge Art Center.

This is one of director Harry Rasky’s documentaries on creative individuals in the arts or letters. The subject is Yousuf Karsh, who first became well known for his images of wartime personalities in the ‘40s. This informative biography exploring his work and philosophy was filmed while doing a shoot of Leonard Bernstein, and shows hundreds of his photographs. Supplementary historical footage brings Karsh’s subjects to life as well.

Showing continuously in the gallery:
“Life and Times” A Moment in Time: Yousuf Karsh (2000) 60 minutes.
Jan 8 - March 18, Kresge Art Museum.

Courtesy of Life and Times (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) Yousuf Karsh has presented us with a catalogue of famous faces for more than sixty years. His portraits have become 20th century icons. This documentary film, produced for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in 2000, turns the lens on the acclaimed photographer, focusing on the forces that shaped his life and revealing the man behind the shutter.

Gallery Walk:
Yousuf Karsh Gallery Walk
Sunday, March 18, 2:00 p.m., Kresge Art Museum
Gallery walk led by museum staff