A World Without Pictures?

Can you imagine a world without photography? Most of us would find it difficult to conjure up a world without images of our children, parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, distant relatives, old classmates, friends, pets, and those special "Kodak moments" in our lives. In addition, how drab and boring would magazines and newspapers be? For that matter, movies and television would be absent from a world without moving pictures. What about a text-only Internet? See what I mean? There are many modern conveniences we take for granted in our lives, but I believe photography extends beyond mere practicality or convenience. In a way, it captures our humanity, our identity.

Kodak recently announced discontinuing their iconic Kodachrome film after 74 years. The impact reliable color images made in the world of photography is probably lost to most Americans. Although black and white photography had been in existence for over 100 years prior to 1935, being able to capture little Annie's auburn hair and the gray-green toad's head poking from little Bobby's trouser pockets in family photos inspired millions of amateur photographers around the world. Kodachrome quickly became an American institution. However, that era in modern photography is now fading below the horizon as the sun sets on film photography. Like so many staples in our lives, technology progresses without regard for sentiment or posterity.

So naturally, this weekend when I learned the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum (IPHF) was located at the Science Museum Oklahoma (formerly Kirkpatrick Center at OmniPlex) in Oklahoma City, I was excited. In addition to the opportunity to view thousands of images created by esteemed members of the American Society of Photographers (ASP), and the Professional Photographers of America (PPA), including Pulitzer Prize winner Ansel Adams, the museum preserves and displays Magic Lanterns, a Praxinoscope Theatre, and an Edison Projecting Kinetoscope, plus a wide range of Graflex, Kodak and Polaroid cameras. Of course, honoring the people who made it all possible, is a function of the Hall of Fame, as well. According to the IPHF website, "The International Photography Hall of Fame annually inducts individuals who have significantly contributed to the artistic and scientific progress of photography. Over 60 people have been inducted since 1965, and the IPHF continually honors them and works to preserve their contribution through research and collection of their artifacts."

Wow! The more I read, the more my excitement grew. Here was an opportunity to completely immerse myself in the world of photography, if only for a day or perhaps an abbreviated afternoon visit. Paul Simon's Kodachrome filled my head with visions of "nice bright colors." Unfortunately, my excitement quickly turned to sadness and disbelief. What?!! The IPHF is leaving Oklahoma? A few minutes previously I didn't even know it was here. Now I have to deal with losing a precious keepsake that I have yet to fully appreciate and enjoy. I liken it to discovering an heirloom photo of your grandparents moments before a strong gust of wind steals it away, forever.

Moved from the Brooks Institute in Santa Barbara, CA to the Kirkpatrick Center in Oklahoma City in 1983, the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum is as much a part of Oklahoma City and Oklahomans as the Oklahoma City Philharmonic or the National Cowboy Hall of Fame. Certainly the world is not surprised to learn the National Cowboy Hall of Fame resides in Oklahoma, or that Oklahoma City has its own philharmonic, but I doubt few persons would expect Oklahoma City to be the home of the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum. I suspect Chicago, New York, maybe Los Angeles, would be their first guess. Much to my dismay, if nothing changes, in 2011, if they guessed St. Louis, they'd be right. Short of a major patron or committed community effort to intervene, the IPHF is slated to become an anchor for the new 58-acre Chouteau's Landing Art Center (CLAC) being developed in the shadows of the St. Louis Gateway Arch. The move is being billed as "redefining the city's national reputation." Ironically, the words of another great songwriter, Joni Mitchell's Big Yellow Taxi, "That you don't know what you've got, 'til it's gone." suddenly flashed through my mind.

To quote the IPHF website, "The Hall of Fame is the result of a project began in 1965 by the Photographic Art and Science Foundation. Members of the Professional Photographers of America originally created the foundation to promote photographic history by inducting historically significant photographers and inventors into a Photography Hall of Fame." For whatever reasons, the IPHF has been marginalized to a small footnote in the Oklahoma City community leaders' 21st Century vision. However, it's not too late. Michael Scalf, Sr., executive director of the Southwest PPA and a career professional photographer, was recently hired as the IPHF executive director to coordinate the extensive cataloging and packing required in preparation for their scheduled move next year. According to Executive Director Scalf, the IPHF has issued a letter of intent to accept the CLAC developer's generous offer, but the board of directors await final lease details before signing a formal contract.

Perhaps a worthy patron or two could make a difference in the lives of current and future Oklahomans by offering to restore one of the vacant buildings in the apropos Old Film District for the IPHF's new location. The museum requires a minimal 10,000 sq. ft. exhibit space. Given proper support and a great location, Executive Director Scalf is confident the IPHF would significantly contribute to Oklahoma City's downtown development as a major tourist destination. Can you picture a world without photography? Can you picture Oklahoma without the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum? I can't.