Eugene Richards: Remembrance Garden: A Portrait of Green-Wood Cemetery

Photographer Eugene Richards visited Brooklyns Green-Wood Cemetery in March 2020, after suffering from Covid, and was entranced with its 487-acre burial ground and arboretum. He made nearly 100 visits to Green-Wood, photographing both poetical details and grand vistas in rich color, across the seasons and in all weather. The photographs in Remembrance Garden were taken between April 2020 and September 2023 and interspersed with names and dates inscribed on grave markers and deeply personal memories. Richards has authored 17 photographic and textual books and directed and shot seven short films.

Format: Hardback
Length: 152 pages
Publication date: 23 May 2024
Publisher: Distributed Art Publishers

In the depths of March 2020, amidst a severe battle with COVID-19, Eugene Richards embarked on a quest for a sanctuary where he could safely stroll and recover. It was during this introspective journey that he stumbled upon the revered Green-Wood Cemetery, a beloved landmark in Brooklyn. Established in 1837 and officially designated as a National Historic Landmark in 2006, this sprawling 487-acre burial ground and arboretum serves as the final resting place for over 550,000 souls. Captivated by its timeless allure, Richards embarked on a nearly hundred-visit odyssey to Green-Wood, capturing the essence of its beauty through vibrant, rich-color photographs. Spanning across seasons and weather conditions, his lens immortalized snow-covered headstones, grand mausoleums, poignant epitaphs, the gradual encroachment of moss on stone, and the relentless march of time on all things. The photographs featured in the Remembrance Garden were meticulously taken between April 2020 and September 2023. Richards weaves a tapestry of memories into his images by inscribing names and dates etched on grave markers, alongside deeply personal recollections. This artistic fusion creates a grand and profoundly moving portrait of the legendary cemetery. Born in Dorchester, Massachusetts, in 1944, Eugene Richards' journey began with his education and mentorship under the renowned photographer Minor White. Following his college years and studies, Richards joined Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA), where he actively contributed to the establishment of a social service organization and a community newspaper, "Many Voices." His literary pursuits took flight with the publication of his first books, including "Few Comforts or Surprises: The Arkansas Delta and Dorchester Days." Over a span of four decades, Richards embarked on a distinguished career as a freelance editorial photographer and artist. His prolific output encompasses a diverse range of stories that shed light on the human condition, both domestically and internationally. His literary contributions include 17 photographic and textual books, including notable titles such as "Exploding into Life," "The Knife and Gun Club," "War Is Personal," "The Blue Room," and his most recent publication, "In This Brief Li."

ISBN-13: 9781636811130