Yousuf Karsh at the Glenbow Museum

Over the last 100 years many world-leaders and celebrities have become larger-than-life. These icons of the twentieth century, such as Winston Churchill, Walt Disney, and Fidel Castro, are dramatic testaments to the ascendancy of charisma, the cult of personality, and the quest for more. These are lives filled with ambition and ego, a drive to advance and dominate. Yet, behind the appearance of power and influence, they were merely human.

Yousuf Karsh (1908-2002), the legendary portrait photographer, captured the spirit of these indomitable persons like no one else ever could. His reputation gave him access to the rich, famous, and powerful, each of whom desired to be “Karshed”.  Karsh captured the personality of these iconic figures in ways that others could not. And, it is these images that, to a large degree, that frame our reference of these iconic figures.

The new exhibit at the Glenbow Museum celebrates the life and work of Yousuf Karsh, and it includes 100 of his personal favorite photographs. These include celebrities, such as Jackie O and Audrey Hepburn, as well as politicians or others of international renown. But, the magic of Karsh is his ability to present the humanity of these men and women.

This must-see exhibit runs at the Glenbow Museum from April 2 to June 15, 2011. Admission costs $14 for adults, $10 for seniors, $9 for students and youth.

Photo “Ernest Heminway” by Yousuf Karsh, marek.krzystkiewicz, http://www.flickr.com/photos/_marek_/2175915406/