George Zimbel - featured Photo credits Bernard Bujold

George Zimbel / George S. Zimbel

March 2, 2016

Change is imminent. Adaption is the key to survival. But, sometimes, the change should be rejected. Staying true to yourself is the best way to keep your identity. In the age of digital photography, George Zimbel has simply let all the inventions and improvements pass by. His commitment to a “straight” photography has even become stronger. Mostly known for his photographs of celebrities, the artist was actually far more interested in the lives of the ordinary people. Still loyal to his old Leicas, he is truly one of the last of his kind.

The artist remains loyal to his old Leicas

George Zimbel - Serious Marilyn, N.Y.C., 1954
George Zimbel - Serious Marilyn, N.Y.C., 1954

Known for the Stars, Interested in the Ordinary People

The process just begins with the artist recording an image. Only when the fine print is made does the Zimbel consider the work done. His work is a unique story of the history of the US. What made him famous were the pictures of the superstar Marilyn Monroe, and that allowed him to pay the bills and live out of his work. He knew some of the giants he photographed, like John F. Kennedy, Dwight Eisenhower, Harry Truman and Richard Nixon. Most of them were pleasant to work with, except for Nixon, who had a general distaste for the press. Ordinary people were the main focus of his work, as he documented the entire eras, all of the traditions, customs, even the clothing style. That’s why so much about America can be learned simply by observing his work.

J.F.K. was a pleasant person to work with

George Zimbel - Jacqueline and John F. Kennedy, N.Y.C., 1960
George Zimbel - Jacqueline and John F. Kennedy, N.Y.C., 1960

Moving to Canada

Zimbel was born in Woburn, Massachusetts. He earned his B.A. from the Columbia College in 1951. In 1955, he married Elaine Sernovitz, and they have four children. Due to discontent with the American political scene, he and his family moved to Canada in 1971, first choosing to live on a farm. Later they moved to Montreal, where the artist started working as a documentary freelance photographer.

General fascination with the life of Marilyn Monroe gained him popularity, but the true value of his work was his ability to capture and immortalize the American way of life. That is what is really important, and today his photographs can be seen in prestigious collections throughout the world, e.g. the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), The International Center of Photography, National Gallery of Canada and the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography.

Zimbel captured the American way of life

George Zimbel - Irish Dancehall, The Bronx N.Y., 1954
George Zimbel - Irish Dancehall, The Bronx N.Y., 1954

Grab the Attention!

The modern times have certainly improved our lives. Watching from the photographic angle, anyone can be a photographer today. But, the possibility of making thousands of pictures without even thinking of buying the film has led to digital diarrhea, and the ‘artists’ simply don’t have the focus on what is capturing their imagination. A finished photograph takes a lot – a personal view of the life, extensive technical knowledge, and the information. Every single part is important, as a part of the artist’s soul always stays captured within the picture. The picture grabs the viewer’s attention, but in the end, it’s the photographer’s art that holds it. George Zimbel certainly has our attention.

He is represented by Stephen Bulger Gallery in Toronto, Canada.

George Zimbel lives and works in Montreal.

Featured image: portrait of the artist, photo credits Bernard Bujold.

All images copyright © George Zimbel.

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