Stillness pervades the open space; voices are brutally silenced and colors fade until they become monochromatic. The black and white photographs add more depth to the already heavy subject matter and stun you with their depiction of chaos. Former detective and lifelong photographer John Botte fills his commemorative 9/11 photographs with overwhelming clarity and emotion. The photos depict a tragedy, yet exude a sense of preserved humanity. You are transported to the site on the day of the attacks. You will gasp, cringe, and perhaps even cry, but you will remember and rejoice at humanity’s ability to move forward. This is art in its raw form, captured during the peak of the destruction, but preserved for eternity for all to see.
The Arts in New York City
Baruch College Fall 2011, Section NWH
After reading your blurb, I am dying to go to this exhibit! I always find that the most powerful art is the kind that focuses on a specific person or thing while representing something bigger. I think the photo you added, of the cop, is much more powerful than photos of the towers falling or the chaos around because it makes it very personal. Each person had their own plight during the tragedy, and a raw image of an individual singled out from all the clutter, in my opinion, resonates more than any other type of photograph.
Yes, you should definitely go! It was very powerful and emotional, and you won’t be underwhelmed at the message it conveys. It was a respectful, meaningful, and tragically intimate tribute. To be honest, I didn’t really feel the impact of the tragedy through the countless words and articles associated with 9/11, but this exhibit shifted my perspective. I like what you said about the specific people and objects representing the bigger picture, because that is a major component of the gallery. This photo of the policeman especially struck me because of the all-too-real symbolism: a strong, seemingly unbreakable man, hunched over in distress. It was and still remains very heartbreaking.
When you first described this gallery to me, I immediately knew I wanted to go. When you then showed me this picture, I was even more determined. This picture evokes so much emotion as you are, in a way, put in his situation and see the tragedy from his perspective. This picture says so much. I think this photo gallery must be unique as the photographer was also a detective, meaning he had access to that which many others, I am sure, did not have. I look forward to seeing this gallery.