FOUND — A Harold Feinstein Exhibition

“FOUND” presented a comprehensive look at the work of Harold Feinstein (1931-2015), a photographer whose career spanned from the 1950s to the early 2000s. Known for his ability to capture intimate, unguarded moments of everyday life, Feinstein’s work demonstrated an unwavering faith in the dignity and beauty of ordinary people.

Feinstein’s photography was characterized by its warmth, humor, and deep empathy for his subjects. Whether documenting children playing in the streets of Brooklyn, couples embracing on Coney Island, or elderly people sitting in neighborhood parks, his images revealed the profound emotions that exist in seemingly simple moments.

The exhibition featured work from throughout Feinstein’s career, including his famous “Kids” series, which captured the uninhibited joy and spontaneity of childhood in mid-century New York. These photographs, along with his portraits of lovers, families, and community gatherings, formed a visual love letter to human connection and resilience.

What made Feinstein’s work particularly powerful was his ability to photograph people without exploitation or condescension. His subjects, whether wealthy or poor, young or old, were always treated with respect and dignity. The camera became a tool for celebration rather than judgment, revealing the photographer’s belief that every person carries within them something worth honoring.

The exhibition’s title, “FOUND,” referenced both Feinstein’s ability to discover extraordinary moments in ordinary circumstances and the recent rediscovery of much of his work. Many of his photographs had been stored away for decades, only to be “found” again by collectors and curators who recognized their historical and artistic significance.