City of Newburgh is the subject of a photography exhibit opening at Vassar College, November 29

A collection of photographs by Dmitri Kasterine will be shown at the James W. Palmer III '90 Gallery in the College Center, Main Building, Vassar College. "Newburgh, NY, Portrait of a City" runs from November 29 through December 20. The show will open on Wednesday, November 29, with an artist's talk at 4:30 p.m. A reception will follow.

The photographs, which were taken over the last four years, provide a "record of uncelebrated and ignored people' living in a "crumbling and overlooked city," according to Kasterine. "The miserable start that most of the young in Newburgh have had, and the constant unemployment that their parents have endured since the 1950s, gives many of the subjects an underlying sadness. But in the ruins of the buildings and the faces of the people I see warmth and beauty; and in some of the faces, a determination to change things," said the artist.

Kasterine, a portrait photographer for 39 years, has photographed Samuel Beckett, Martin Amis, Steve Martin, Allen Ginsberg, and James Baldwin, along with uncelebrated people whose beauty or achievements impress him. His work has been published world-wide in such publications as Vanity Fair, Vogue, Interview, and the New York Times.

He has traveled throughout Europe, Africa, and the United States on assignment for Fortune 500 companies and European magazines. His advertising clients include Bank of America, IBM, and Life Insurance Corporation.

Kasterine has lectured at the Royal College of Art in London and has taught a photography mini-course at Vassar for three years.

During the past two years, Kasterine began filmmaking and has completed a series of three-minute films called "Ways of Life' shot on digital video. The subjects are a print maker, a tree surgeon, and a woman racing driver. He is currently making a full- length documentary about Anthony Bourdain (Vassar class of 1977), a chef and best selling author.

The James W. Palmer III '90 Gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from noon to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. For information call (845) 437-5370. Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations should contact Cathy Jennings, office of campus activities, (845) 437-5370, as far in advance as possible to request appropriate and reasonable accommodations. Vassar is located on Raymond Avenue in Poughkeepsie.

Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations or information on accessibility should contact Campus Activities Office at (845) 437-5370. Without sufficient notice, appropriate space and/or assistance may not be available.

Vassar College is a highly selective, coeducational, independent, residential liberal arts college founded in 1861.

This article was posted on Wednesday, November 29th, 2000.