(Not So) Random Excellence: Peter Turnley on the 4th of July

Lenay, left, with her mother, Nicole, Central Park at 110th Street,
Harlem, N.Y., July 4th, 2011

I asked my friend Peter what he's been working on most recently, and here's the response I got. Typically, he hasn't been idle:

Dear Mike,
 Since I first came in contact with the book The Family of Man, I've always been drawn to photograph universal institutions of life. When I am home I always photograph daily life nearby. This mixture of documenting world affairs and the environment surrounding my own daily life has balanced my perspective and enriched my curiosity.

For the past four years, I have lived in Harlem, New York. Last weekend, I took my camera and visited many parks within walking distance of my home to photograph families and their friends who had gathered together to break bread and share in the joy of being together over the 4th of July weekend.

The set is called "Around the Grill: In the South Bronx and Harlem on the 4th of July weekend." Like photographs from many daily "assignments" that I give myself, which are part of my ongoing personal exploration of the world and life around me, a few of these photographs may become part of a larger project over time. I want to share with people a few moments of joy, family, and relaxation from this past holiday weekend.

Warm regards,

Peter

One reader once complained about the term "random" that I use for this feature, and I explained that it was intended to mean randomly encountered, which is not so much the case with people whose work I keep up with. In any event, in Peter's case it would more accurately be called dependable excellence.

Mike
Photographs © 2011 by Peter Turnley/Corbis

UPDATE: You can see more pictures from the set here.  —MJ

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Original contents copyright 2011 by Michael C. Johnston and/or the bylined author. All Rights Reserved.

Comments

[Mike]

Talk about a great start to the weekend.

[Kenneth Tanaka]

That's a wonderful series, Peter. I can smell the 'Q!