New York: September 11th by Magnum Photographers

“Very rarely has a historical event been so carefully recorded by such stalwart talent… ‘New York, September 11’ is the art of valor at its finest.”

– John Carlos Cantú, The Ann Arbor News

“The photographs in the show are not easy to look at but they are awesome.”

– VOA News

By now, the story of September 11th has been burned into our collective memory, but few have seen New York from the perspective of Magnum photographers. As the events of that morning unfolded, eleven members of the legendary photo agency immediately dispersed from their monthly meeting in New York City to document the incomprehensible. Their photographs, by turns haunting, surreal, and breathtaking, are assembled in New York, September 11th by Magnum Photographers.

From their various vantage points—rooftops, bridges, boats, and the rubble-strewn streets—we are transported to Ground Zero to witness the destruction of the World Trade Center, including the final implosions that sent thousands fleeing through the streets from debris. Documented also is the photographers’ return to the scene and their quiet observation and respect for the rescue workers—whose jobs had only begun—and for the mourners who had been gathering, stricken with grief.

Notable photographers include Alex Webb, Larry Towell, Gilles Peress, Paul Fusco, Susan Meiselas, Bruce Davidson, Hiroji Kubota, Thomas Hoepker, Steve McCurry, and Eli Reed. Many were globetrotting photojournalists used to wartime conditions and perils; but none could have anticipated such heartbreaking scenes of destruction and heroism so close to home. Their work memorializes a tragic day in history and stands as an extraordinary tribute to the city and its people—to the living, the dead, and to the Towers themselves.

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