Simpson Kalisher, a photojournalist known for his captivating street scenes that captured the essence of urban American life during the 1950s and ’60s, passed away on June 13 at the age of 96. Kalisher, who started his career in corporate photography, eventually broke free from the confines of slick images in reports and trade magazines to become a discerning photographer with a keen eye for capturing the raw emotions and stories of everyday people.
Born and raised in the Bronx, New York, Kalisher belonged to a remarkable generation of street photographers, including Robert Frank, Diane Arbus, and Gary Winogrand. Known for his social empathy and imaginative approach, Kalisher was a master at freezing moments in time that reflected both the strict yet vibrant past and the unpredictable future.
Kalisher’s work was described as “atmospheric urban noir,” grounded in the streets where he mainly operated. His photographs were filled with anecdotes and characters, portraying a pugnacious child outside a church, a driver playfully sticking his tongue out, or a frustrated man pushing his stalled car.
His contributions to photography were recognized with exhibitions at prestigious institutions like the Museum of Modern Art. His photographs were showcased in the groundbreaking “Family of Man” exhibition in 1955 and the 1978 show “Mirrors and Windows: American Photography Since 1960.” Kalisher also authored books such as “Railroad Men: A Book of Photographs and Collected Stories,” which showcased the unseen workers who maintained train tracks during the decline of train travel.
Kalisher’s approach to photography was not limited to capturing reality, but also exploring the concept of propaganda. In his book “Propaganda and Other Photographs,” he aimed to illustrate propaganda in its many forms and convey his own perspective through careful selection and sequencing of images.
Sarah Meister, the executive director of Aperture magazine, recognized Kalisher’s unique voice among his talented contemporaries. Despite frequently engaging in commercial projects, Kalisher managed to establish his independent vision.
Born to Polish immigrants, Kalisher developed a passion for photography from a young age and began selling his prints as a teenager. Initially focusing on commercial photography, he eventually transitioned into photojournalism, taking on assignments for various publications. His photographs appeared in well-known magazines like Sports Illustrated and Fortune.
Kalisher, who retired in 2013 and resided in Florida, sought to define the line between photography and art in his memoir. He emphasized the difficulty in creating meaningful photographs in a world where the medium had become omnipresent.
His legacy lives on through his powerful and thought-provoking photographs, which continue to inspire and captivate audiences. Simpson Kalisher is survived by his children and grandchildren, leaving behind a remarkable body of work that captures the essence of urban American life in the mid-20th century.
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