Photographer Frank Stewart’s Depiction of Jazz, Church, and Black Life in the US

In an exhibition at the Brandywine Museum of Art, photographer Frank Stewart showcases his work capturing Black life in America and exploring African and Caribbean cultures. One of his striking photographs depicts a New Orleans church organ damaged by Hurricane Katrina’s floodwaters, resembling a graveyard with keyboard parts resembling coffins and vaults. Stewart’s retrospective, titled “Frank Stewart’s Nexus: An American Photographer’s Journey, 1960s to the Present,” runs until September 22 at the museum.

Stewart, who has a deep connection to music, was a longtime photographer for the Savannah Music Festival and worked for 30 years as the senior staff photographer for Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. His collaborations include capturing Wynton Marsalis leading his orchestra off the stage during a world tour of his Pulitzer Prize-winning jazz oratorio “Blood on the Fields.” Stewart’s childhood exposure to jazz and blues through his stepfather, Phineas Newborn Jr., paved the way for his intimate relationship with music and culture in his photography.

Inspired by renowned photographers like Ernest Cole and Roy DeCarava, Stewart’s work reflects his artistic vision rather than strict documentation. His background includes contributions to various magazines and newspapers, highlighting his diverse experiences in photography. Stewart’s artistic evolution from black-and-white images to more colorful prints is showcased in his retrospective, revealing a deeper understanding of his creative journey over the years.

Stewart emphasizes the difference between reality and photography, noting that a photograph presents its own facts distinct from the real world. Through his visually engaging and thought-provoking work, Stewart invites viewers to appreciate the artistry and depth in his photographs, transcending mere documentation to evoke emotions and connections with his subjects.