FLX is the whimsical abbreviation for the Finger Lakes region of western New York State. As one of the state’s ten distinct regions, the Finger Lakes is characterized by numerous lakes and waterfalls, spectacular natural beauty, abundant agriculture, rich history, and nationally recognized wine. An epicenter of glass production, the town of Corning is home to fine arts and culture, an award-winning town square, and a preserved downtown historic district recognized by the National Trust.
For nearly two decades, Nathan Benn worked for National Geographic and saw more than three hundred of his photographs appear in their publications. In 1975, National Geographic Magazine assigned the photographer to document this vibrant region in a special feature. Over the course of a year, Benn focused his lens on the unique culture, heritage, industry and social landscape that comprise the Finger Lakes. Benn’s documentary photography has preserved a visual time capsule of the people and places that existed in the mid-1970s.
Benn captured sweeping aerial landscapes of the Finger Lakes and surrounding small towns, as well as portraits of assembly line workers, glassblowers, winery pickers, auctioneers, parade spectators, scout troops and racing enthusiasts of the 70s. Visitors will recognize locations such as the Watkins Glen racetrack, Corning Glass Works (now Corning Incorporated), the Columbian Rope Company, American LaFrance, Widmer Wine Cellars, Bully Hill, Vinifera Vineyards, the Mark Twain family farm, and boathouses of Canandaigua Lake.
Photography buffs know Kodachrome as one of the oldest brands of color film, known for capturing rich colors and complex lighting. The Eastman Kodak Company based out of Rochester, NY, ceased production of the film in 2010, but in its prime, the film was the favorite of National Geographic explorers and photographers in the first decades of the publication’s transition to color.
This exhibition is made possible with support from Kathleen and Peter Schweizer.
