Steve Pyke: Philosophers


Steve_Pyke_Philosophers.jpgSteve Pyke's project 'Philosophers' has reached across two decades. Steve has an essay in the New York Times about how this project grew exponentially, and a gallery of images that feature quotes by the subject made during the photo session.

"I have spent almost a quarter century photographing philosophers. For the most part, philosophers exist, and have always existed, outside the public spotlight. Yet when we reflect upon those eras of humankind that burn especially bright, it is largely the philosophers that we remember. Despite being unknown at a time, the philosophers of an era survive longer in collective memory than wealthy nobleman and politicians, or the popular figures of stage, song and stadium. Because of this disconnect between living fame and later recognition, we have less of a record of these thinkers than we should. Our museums are filled with busts and paintings of long-forgotten wealth and beauty instead of the philosophers who have so influenced contemporary politics and society. My aim in this project has been the modest one of making sure that, for this era at least, there is some record of the philosophers."

Professor Peter Strawson, Oxford, 21 May 1990, © Steve Pyke

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