Vale: Paul Caponigro 1932 – 2024

The American photographer Paul Caponigro has died at the age of 91. He was a student of both Ansel Adams and Minor White. He was one of the world’s foremost landscape photographers.

His work was brought to the attention of Australian photographers by Ian Lobb and William Heimerman at the Photographers’ Gallery in the 1970’s. His large format silver gelatin prints are stunning examples of the art of photography.

“In my years of photography I have learned that many things can be sensed, seen, shaped or resolved in a realm of quiet, well in advance of, or between, the actual clicking of shutters and the sloshing of films and papers in chemical solutions. I work to attain “a state of heart”, a gentle space offering inspirational substance that could purify one’s vision. Photography, like music, must be born in the unmanifest world of spirit.” Paul Caponigro.

Photograph above: Woods & stream 1969. 18 x 22.5 cm silver gelatin print. National Gallery of Victoria collection.