Photo from the 3rd Avenue El by John Baer
A debut monograph devoted to the work of John Baer, a self-taught photographer who lived at 215 Second Ave. between 13th and 14th Street in the 1950s and often photographed the neighborhood from his fire escape, is out today.
"John Baer: The Extraordinary Ordinary/A Memoir in Photographs, 1945–1954" brings together images Baer made in postwar Europe and 1950s New York City.
He put away his camera in 1954, and his work remained largely unknown during his lifetime.
After Baer died in 1994, his son, Andrew, discovered three boxes containing nearly 4,000 negatives and prints.
The new book marks the first time a selection from the collection has been published.
To coincide with its release, the John Baer Archive is presenting an exhibition of 40 photographs from the book at White Loft, 273 Grand St. (second floor), from Thursday through Saturday (Sept. 17–19).
Thursday's opening reception runs from 5-9 p.m. A discussion about Baer's work will take place from 6:30–7 p.m. with Andrew Baer and Megan Moynihan of the archive, along with members of the Paper Cinema Editions publishing team.
A book signing will follow.
Gallery hours are 11 a.m- 7 p.m. The exhibition and related events are free.
