American Photographer Stephen Spinder danced his way into an enduring love
of Hungary and Transylvania. Originally from New York, this modern nomad
first became acquainted with Hungarian traditions in Colorado in the form
of Hungarian csardas dancing. Mr. Spinder accompanied his explanation of his first encounter
with a demonstration of his expertise to the delight of all in attendance.
Fortunately for us all, the dance was enough to draw Mr. Spinder to Hungary
and on to Transylvania, where in 1991 he made his first photographic
documentary of the Hungarian traditions still preserved to this day.
Gazing
into the face of an elderly Transylvanian woman, a hint of a smile on the
corner of her lips and a laugh in her eyes, one can see that Mr. Spinder has
captured the spirit of these people with his lens. Several other
photographs capture Mr. Spinder's fascination with dance as women and men
leap through the air in a whirl of skirts and color. Still other
photographs reflect His later fascination with the historic
architecture of Hungary and Budapest in sepia and black and white tones.
Mr. Spinder's work has been showcased in two multi-print monographs and in
various posters.
Perhaps most telling of the artist himself is his comical
2002 calendar of Hungarian Moustaches, twelve months of whimsical facial
hair on display. Mr. Spinder's art captures the beauty and importance of
maintaining the cultural heritage evident in folkways and architecture. His
presentation makes the case that sometimes art requires a visit with the
artist to get the full story.
by Laura Leigh Jordan
You can get the "full story" in Mr. Spinder's newest book, Budapest,
Through My Lens, A Solitary Perspective, available through his Website
www.spinderartphoto.com
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