Collection: Brotherly Lens: A Portrait of Philadelphia

On view September 6, 2024 - October 12, 2024
Opening Reception: September 12, 6p - 9p
November 2nd Thursday Reception: October 10, 6p - 9p

Brotherly Lens: A Portrait of Philadelphia presents a nuanced exploration of the city through the eyes of three distinguished photographers: Eric T. Kunsman, Joseph Labolito, and Ron Tarver. Each artist offers a distinctive perspective, capturing the essence of Philadelphia, its hidden dimensions, and its ongoing transformation. Eric T. Kunsman intricately maps the city through its phone lines, revealing the stark contrasts between neighborhoods. His work prompts a critical examination of social divides and biases, encouraging reflection on the disparities that shape urban life. Joseph Labolito provides a historical and cultural portrait of Philadelphia, documenting the daily life of its neighborhoods over three decades. His images offer a rich narrative of the city's evolution, portraying its past and present with depth and sensitivity with a focus on Kensington. Ron Tarver’s work focuses on the lives of inner-city cowboys, highlighting their unique experience at the intersection of urban and rural life. Through his lens, Tarver brings to light the vibrant and complex realities of Black identities and stories within the city. Together, these photographers offer a comprehensive and introspective view of Philadelphia, inviting audiences to engage with the city’s diverse and dynamic landscape through their distinctive visions.

About the Artists

Eric T. Kunsman

Eric T. Kunsman (he/him) is a distinguished photographer and book artist based in Rochester, New York. Influenced by the decline of the steel industry and inspired by Walker Evans, Kunsman studied under Lou Draper and earned an MFA in Book Arts/Printmaking from The University of the Arts, alongside multiple degrees from the Rochester Institute of Technology. As an Assistant Professor at RIT’s National Technical Institute for the Deaf and an adjunct professor in the School of Photographic Arts & Sciences, he also runs Booksmart Studio, specializing in fine art digital printing. His work, exhibited in over 35 solo and 150 group shows worldwide, has garnered notable awards, including the Association of Photography (UK) Gold Award for Open Series in 2019. Kunsman’s current project examines payphones in Rochester, uncovering hidden narratives and challenging local perceptions.

Joseph V. Labolito

Joseph V. Labolito (he/him) was born and raised in the Frankford-Oxford Circle section of Philadelphia. He began his photography career working with portrait studios while still in high school. Over time, his work expanded to include a variety of subjects such as still life, architecture, health care, athletics, set design, and special effects.

For over four decades, Joe has been capturing the vibrant essence of the city of Philadelphia. His collection of photographs documents this city of neighborhoods, creating a deeply personal and authentic perspective. These images are not just snapshots, they are a reflection of the city from the inside out, inviting viewers worldwide to journey through time to celebrate the progress and evolution of Philadelphia.

Ron Tarver

Ron Tarver (he/him) holds a BA in Journalism and Graphic Arts from Northeastern State University and an MFA from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. An Associate Professor of Art at Swarthmore College, Tarver previously served as a staff photojournalist at The Philadelphia Inquirer for 32 years, where he shared the 2012 Pulitzer Prize for a series on school violence and earned multiple nominations and awards, including from World Press Photos and the National Press Photographers Association. His work has appeared in major publications like National Geographic and Ebony, and he co-authored the book We Were There: Voices of African American Veterans. A distinguished fine art photographer, Tarver has received Guggenheim and Pew Fellowships, along with grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. He is a Fellow of the Center for Emerging Visual Artists, has been featured in over 30 solo and 50 group exhibitions, and his work is held in notable collections such as the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. His work is represented by the Robin Rice Gallery in New York and Grand Image in Seattle.

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