The photographer Weegee, born Arthur Fellig, captured some of the grittiest scenes of New York City in the middle of the 20th century.  Much of Weegee’s work comes from his years trailing the city’s emergency service teams and documenting their crime scenes, fires, and day to day life.  Weegee’s instinct to turn the camera away from the main attraction and onto the gathering crowds, resulted in some of the most visceral images of the day.  Weegee occupies a unique space in art history.  He had success as a freelance news photographer, yet was also taken seriously as an artist, with his work being shown in the most prestigious museums of the time.  This lecture explores the mythology behind the photographer, how a Ukrainian born man went on to be one of New York City’s most important artists.

Mallory Mortillaro is an art historian and educator.  She has ten years of teaching experience, and has worked on various art research projects for museums and organizations in the New York metropolitan area.  She studied at Drew University.  Mallory resides in New Jersey with her husband.