Dear Friends,
I think it is true to say that I wouldn’t have had my career if it were not for Cornell.
He was my first true "mentor."
The old ICP, which he founded, was my spiritual home. I learned everything about the history of photography through intense study in its library, and I learned how to curate an exhibition from the ones that Cornell curated. He was like the grandfather I never knew.
I always thought he was an even greater photographer than his more extroverted brother, Robert.
Cornell, who never promoted his own work because he felt it was a conflict of interest, did me the great honor of allowing me, in 2002, to curate an exhibition and produce a special book for him in the early days of my gallery.
I look back at this time as one of the most fulfilling and joyous collaborations I have ever had.
To say dear Cornell was a scholar and a gentleman would be a vast understatement.
He has always been my inspiration, and I often think, almost daily, "What would Cornell do?" in running my gallery.
"Bolshoi Ballet" is, without doubt, the greatest image ever taken of the world of dance and resonates with me with the same power and beauty every day I look at it as it did the first day I saw it.
It is a testament to its maker's great artistry and deep humanity.