All Of It: With His Camera, Larry Fink Documented 60 Years of American Life
Podcast: All Of It
Host: Alison Stewart
Episode Release Date: July 14, 2025
Guest: Lucy Sant, Curator of Larry Fink's Exhibition "Sensual Empathy" at CPW, Kingston
Introduction to Larry Fink’s Legacy
Alison Stewart opens the episode by commemorating the life and work of Larry Fink, a renowned photographer who passed away in 2023 at the age of 82. Described by The New York Times as "an exuberant document of the human condition," Fink's photography captured the essence of various social strata and cultural moments over six decades.
“Fink was born in Brooklyn and raised by lefty parents on Long Island. Throughout his life, Larry brought along his camera and immersed himself in the lives of people from a wide variety of social classes and spaces.” — Alison Stewart [00:09]
Fink’s work spans numerous subjects, including jazz musicians, working-class Americans, New York socialites, Studio 54 clubgoers, boxers, and civil rights activists. This summer, Central Pennsylvania Workshop (CPW), formerly the Center for Photography at Woodstock, is showcasing Fink's collection in an exhibition titled "Larry Fink Sensual Empathy," curated by Lucy Sant.
First Encounter: Lucy Sant’s Perspective
Lucy Sant shares her initial encounter with Fink’s work, highlighting a striking photograph she purchased in 1985.
“The picture showed this large older woman aiming a pistol straight at the camera with her tongue parked in a corner of her mouth and a squint that becomes a kind of wink against a violently floral wallpaper. I was just floored by this image and I kept it tacked over my desk for years.” — Lucy Sant [01:18]
Her admiration for Fink deepened when she met him at Bard College, where Fink was a fellow photographer in the department.
“Larry just instantly made you into an accomplice and hijinks would ensue and you can see the whole evening. There's nothing violent about her aiming the pistol, which is, I'm sure, unloaded, but it's them just goofing off at a family party.” — Lucy Sant [02:52]
Expanding Fink’s Work: Curatorial Insights
Discussing the challenges of curating Fink’s expansive body of work, Sant explains how the exhibition had to adapt to different spaces, ultimately focusing on the predominant theme of human social interaction.
“The show was originally meant for a much tighter space, which was the Moose Foundation booth at Paris Photo last November. So it was designed for that space. And because it's so concentrated, I wanted to focus on one aspect of Larry's work which is really the predominant one, which was human social interaction, basically.” — Lucy Sant [03:20]
While the exhibition centers on social interactions, Sant laments not being able to include Fink’s heroic, posed photographs, such as those depicting workers against dramatic skies.
“Larry was curious about everybody and everything, but you have to have sort of a goal of the show. The focus of the show is human interaction as shown especially at parties.” — Lucy Sant [04:41]
Larry Fink’s Artistic Approach
Fink’s dedication is evident in his constant readiness to capture moments, often carrying multiple cameras and a portable flash unit.
“He always had his camera with him. When he was in work mode, he'd have, I think, two cameras around his neck, and he had a portable flash unit and, you know, dressed for battle.” — Lucy Sant [06:49]
Fink was never a passive observer; his presence was felt in his photographs, a principle he adopted from his mentor, Lisette Model.
“You can't pretend you're not there. You can't pretend that the picture was taken by God. You are in the room whether you like it or not.” — Lucy Sant [07:16]
Fink’s Early Life and Influences
Born in Brooklyn in 1941, Fink moved to Long Island as a young child. His parents were socially conscious and connected to the arts, fostering an environment that nurtured his photographic interests from an early age.
“His father wrote insurance policies for Raphael and Moses Sawyer, who became family friends. And one of Larry's earliest pictures is this remarkable mise-en-scène of a young woman who is casting a very artistic pose next to her portrait by Raphael Sawyer.” — Lucy Sant [08:13]
Fink received private photography instruction from Lisette Model, avoiding the competitive classes in Lower Manhattan, which allowed him to develop his unique style.
Immersion in the New York Beat Scene
Fink’s early work was deeply intertwined with the New York beat scene, capturing the essence of bohemian life and the second generation of beat photographers.
“The people that Larry photographs are the second generation beats, the ones who didn't become mythology. They’re very moving, you know, the aspiration, the idleness, the vacancy that can sometimes overwhelm people.” — Lucy Sant [10:05]
Despite many of his subjects remaining ordinary, Fink's ability to portray their profound emotions and daily lives underscores his role as a humanist photographer.
Passion for Jazz Photography
Jazz held a special place in Fink’s heart, inspiring him to document musicians during a pivotal era in New York City's jazz scene.
“He felt accepted and he continued photographing jazz players well into the 21st century. Sometimes, people he'd followed over decades, he continued photographing.” — Lucy Sant [12:11]
Fink admired jazz players deeply, seeing them as heroes whose improvisational spirit mirrored his own creative process.
Capturing the Essence of Studio 54
Fink’s photographs of Studio 54 juxtapose his down-to-earth persona with the glittering, hedonistic atmosphere of the iconic nightclub.
“Larry is earth toned. Larry is the real world. Larry is not cocaine flying spoons through the air.” — Lucy Sant [13:32]
This contrast highlights Fink's unique ability to blend seamlessly into diverse environments while maintaining his authentic perspective.
Adjusting the Emotional Temperature
Fink had an uncanny ability to influence the mood of any room he entered, often using his dynamic presence to create the perfect environment for capturing authentic moments.
“Larry adjusted the emotional temperature. That's something I gleaned from being on senior project boards and things like that. With Larry, I could see, you know, there were usually three person boards and Larry coming into the room was a squall.” — Lucy Sant [14:50]
His vibrant energy and unconventional methods made him both a beloved and formidable presence in academic and social settings.
Exhibition Aesthetics: Sensual Empathy
The "Sensual Empathy" exhibition not only showcases Fink’s photographs but also integrates his poetry, reflecting the organic and spontaneous nature of his work.
“Larry wasn't a straight horizontal line. The pictures had to bounce. They had to look like musical notes, you know, because Larry was always blowing a solo. And likewise, his poetry is that, you know, post-Malraux. It's phrases and words strewn all over the page in this storm.” — Lucy Sant [16:29]
This design choice emphasizes the fluidity and emotional depth of Fink’s artistic vision.
Conclusion: Celebrating a Humanist Photographer
Alison Stewart wraps up the episode by highlighting the significance of the "Sensual Empathy" exhibition and Larry Fink’s enduring impact on American photography.
“Sensual Empathy is on view at CPW in Kingston through August 31st. It’s Larry Fink's photography.” — Alison Stewart [17:33]
Lucy Sant expresses her gratitude for the opportunity to curate the exhibition, underlining the collaborative effort in preserving Fink’s legacy.
“Oh, my pleasure. This is great.” — Lucy Sant [17:48]
Notable Quotes with Attributions and Timestamps:
- "Fink was born in Brooklyn and raised by lefty parents on Long Island..." — Alison Stewart [00:09]
- "The picture showed this large older woman aiming a pistol..." — Lucy Sant [01:18]
- "Larry just instantly made you into an accomplice and hijinks would ensue..." — Lucy Sant [02:52]
- "He always had his camera with him..." — Lucy Sant [06:49]
- "Larry adjusted the emotional temperature..." — Lucy Sant [14:50]
- "Larry is earth toned. Larry is the real world..." — Lucy Sant [13:32]
Exhibition Details
- Exhibition Title: Larry Fink Sensual Empathy
- Location: CPW, Kingston
- Duration: Through August 31, 2025
- Curator: Lucy Sant
- Highlights: Fink’s extensive portfolio portraying diverse aspects of American life, integrated with his personal poetry.
Final Thoughts
This episode of All Of It offers an intimate exploration of Larry Fink’s photography, showcasing his ability to capture the multifaceted nature of American culture. Through Lucy Sant’s insightful curation and personal anecdotes, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for Fink’s enduring legacy as a humanist photographer who truly embodied the essence of "All Of It."