Chester Michalik

This exhibition was organized to celebrate Northampton’s 350th birthday. With that in mind, my intent in producing this series of photographs was to celebrate the people of Northampton by photographing a cross-section of people who might represent this city. My selection was entirely unscientific. I thought of people I knew or were suggested to me and were from various fields. Clearly, this series could have included numerous others, and perhaps I will continue the project.

My photographic approach was meant to be democratic: that is, I asked everyone, regardless of their position in the community, to simply stand in front of the camera. To foster an experience of participation in the project, I asked each participant to take their own picture using a long cable shutter release which is visible in each photograph. From a visual standpoint, I felt this method would give the images a sense of community.

My own experience working on this project was always positive, and I want to thank everyone who allowed the camera to briefly intrude on their lives. Everyone was extraordinarily open and generous, which also reflects on the quality of Northampton. I also want to apologize to the people who were photographed but because of space limitations were unable to be included in the exhibition.

Biography

Born in Holyoke, Massachusetts, 1935. Lives in Holyoke.

Professor of Art at Smith College since 1978, Chester Michalik received a B.S. from the Massachusetts College of Art, and an M.F.A. from Boston University. Michalik’s work has been exhibited and collected by museums across the United States, and he has received numerous grants for travel and teaching in Japan.