News Summary
Constantine Manos, the renowned photographer and Magnum Photos member, passed away at the age of 90, leaving a legacy intertwined with social justice and human connection. His photography challenged societal norms and highlighted marginalized communities. From capturing pivotal moments in history to documenting the Gullah Geechee community, Manos’s work continues to inspire future generations of photographers. His lifelong commitment to social equality is remembered, as his passing leaves a significant void in the art world.
Columbia, South Carolina — Constantine Manos, the acclaimed photographer and member of Magnum Photos, died in January at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy rich in human connection and social justice through his photography. His impactful career spanned decades, during which he utilized his art to challenge societal norms and shine a light on marginalized communities.
Born in 1934 to Greek immigrant parents in Columbia, South Carolina, Manos grew up in an environment that fostered creativity. His family owned the Washington Street Cafe, which served a Black clientele during the era of segregation. This background played a significant role in shaping his outlook and commitment to social justice. By the age of 13, he developed a passion for photography, joining his school’s camera club and creating a darkroom in his parents’ basement.
Manos graduated from the University of South Carolina in the early 1950s, specializing in photojournalism. As the chief photographer for the university’s student newspaper, The Gamecock, he captured significant events of the time, including a rally for presidential candidate Dwight Eisenhower. In November 1953, he authored the groundbreaking anti-segregation column “Segregation Is Basically Wrong,” which challenged the status quo in a period when segregation was the accepted norm. Despite facing backlash, including threats against himself and his family, Manos continued to advocate for social equality.
His photography often depicted the human condition and the complexities of daily life, reflecting his keen attention to social issues. Manos created notable collections including A Greek Portfolio, The Bostonians, and American Color, all of which received critical acclaim and earned him recognition in major institutions such as The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Library of Congress, and the Art Institute of Chicago.
In his storied career, Manos also served in the U.S. Army, working as a staff photographer for Stars and Stripes while stationed in Germany. After leaving the service, he relocated to New York City, where he contributed to prestigious publications such as Esquire, Life, and Look. Manos dedicated significant time to documenting the Gullah Geechee community on Daufuskie Island, showcasing his dedication to telling the stories of marginalized individuals and cultures.
In the 1960s, he moved to Greece for three years to work on his acclaimed collection, A Greek Portfolio, which received multiple awards. His work with Magnum Photos began in 1963, inspired by iconic photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson. Manos became a trailblazer in documenting LGBTQ+ history, capturing pivotal moments such as the March on Washington for LGBTQ+ rights and the first legal same-sex marriages in Provincetown.
In addition to his artistic work, Manos and his husband, Michael Prodanou, shared a partnership that lasted over 61 years, celebrating their marriage in 2011. Throughout his life, Manos received numerous accolades for his contributions to photographic art, including the Leica Medal of Excellence and the Knight of the Order of the Phoenix from the Greek government.
Constantine Manos is remembered for his profound ability to forge deep emotional connections through his images and for inspiring a new generation of photographers. His passing marks the loss of an influential figure in both the art world and the fight for social justice. He is survived by his husband, siblings, and their families, all of whom carry forward his enduring legacy.
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Additional Resources
- The State
- Wikipedia: Constantine Manos
- Magnum Photos
- Google Search: Constantine Manos
- Boston Globe
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Constantine Manos
- Greek City Times
- Google News: Constantine Manos
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