Merce Cunningham: An Original Portrait

Legendary dancer/choreographer Merce Cunningham died today. I photographed Merce Cunningham for the first time, on July 3, 1989, just over 20 years ago. My friend Bill Katz had asked me to shoot Merce, John Cage and Jasper Johns, together, for the catalogue of Anthony d'Offay's upcoming exhibition of "Dancers on a Plane."

It was a wonderful day. John Cage made us laugh, Jasper seemed delighted to see his old friends and Merce was full of life, still excited about new dances.

Copyright Timothy Greenfield-Sanders

Comments

[ModernTimes1]

Cunningham and Cage made a significant contribution to world culture in general and avant-garde art in particular.

[xs10shl1]

Thank You so much for this.

[NYC07]

Another giant and innovator gone. His passing leaves the world poorer and shifts to balance more towards the mediocrity that most people embrace as talent.

[dancinlady]

AMEN! I had the privilege of taking master class with one of his principal dancers back (way way back) in the 70's and have watched his work. Along with hearing of the near demise of NYCB, it saddens me to see that the last part of NYC07's post is all too many times true. My oldest is a struggling dancer now, and she at the tender age of 22 sees the slip into mediocrity. I pray (and work) for us to pull ourselves out of that pit of mediocrity.

[Cailleach9]

Back in the 60's I studied with Merce in his studio on the corner of 14th St. and 6th Ave., upstairs. He was the sweetest, gentlest teacher I ever had, and by far the most interesting. I loved him truly. At one point I was told by a friend that I was being considered as a member of the company, but he chose Valda Setterfield instead, a decision I totally agreed with. She was much better on stage than I ever was. I did, however, make the basic leotards for Variations VII.

Merce's dances were incredibly beautiful. My favorites were "Sounddance" and "Rainforest." They were a little difficult for the audiences of that time, which was just fine with us fans. As soon as the un-hip cleared out, those of us at the rear or in the balcony streamed out and filled their prime seats. What a time it was!

Abigail Winston (Ewert)