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A Peculiar Paradise: Florida Photography by Nathan Benn

From September 27, 2024 to January 12, 2025

Location: Special Projects Gallery (Floor 2)

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Nathan Benn spent two decades photographing for the National Geographic Magazine, capturing the people and local cultures of the United States and abroad, from the Finger Lakes to the Dead Sea, from front porches to archaeological digs. In 1981, he turned his camera to his home region of South Florida and captured the lively location full of strange intersections where people, and critters, from different walks of life can cross paths. 

Nathan Benn, Boxing coach Sully Emmett, 5th Street Gym, Miami Beach, 1981, Print on acid-free Epson Hot Press Bright paper, using Epson Ultrachrome ink, 19 x 24 in. © Nathan Benn / Geo Image Collection / Bridgeman Images.

Nathan Benn, Strolling alligator with cassette player, DonCeSar Resort Hotel, St. Petersburg, 1981, Print on acid-free Epson Hot Press Bright paper, using Epson Ultrachrome ink, 25 x 17 in. © Nathan Benn / Geo Image Collection / Bridgeman Images.

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About the Artist

Nathan Benn

Nathan Benn was born in Miami, Florida in 1950. Benn worked as a contract photographer on The National Geographic Society’s photographic staff from 1972 until 1991. Benn founded Picture Network International, the first online network for managing and licensing digital media. He also served as the Director of Magnum Photos, Inc. from 2000 until 2003. In 2003, Benn returned to his own collection of work and now concentrates on defining his legacy and producing fine art prints of his work.