Cornell Capa, R.I.P
Cornell Capa died on Friday at his Manhattan home, after 90 years. His peaceful passing came two days short of the 54th anniversary of his brother Robert's untimely death.
Cornell's work as a photojournalist has always been overshadowed by his older brother's legendary career. Cornell's professional mantra revolved around "The Concerned Photographer," yet his lasting legacy also involved a monument to preserving the moments that have been photographed.
He also was the driving force behind the founding of the International Center For Photography, one of the most important homes for preservation and study of "concerned photographers" on the planet. Keeping his brother's legacy and work relevant was certainly on his mind in founding the center. After Robert stepped on a land mine in the prime of his career, Cornell was "haunted by the question of what happens to the work a photographer leaves behind, by how to make the work stay alive.”
I spent about 30 seconds with to Cornell a decade ago, at an exhibition opening at the ICP. After the co-founder of my photo agency introduced us, Cornell put his hands on my sides and shook me. "You're too big... you'll never make it," shooting me an impish smile while leaving me speechless.
Dusted by an under appreciated legend... who will be buried next to his brother this coming week... 54 years after they last saw one another.




