Perusing Paris
from Perusing Paris
Photography enthusiasts and lovers of Paris alike have a unique opportunity to experience the vibrancy of the city through the lens of Charles Mason, an acclaimed photographer and professor. His latest exhibition, Perusing Paris, will be on view at the International Gallery of Contemporary Art (IGCA) in Anchorage from February 8 to 28, 2025, with an opening reception on February 7 from 5–8 PM.
A Journey of 80 Miles
In November 2022, Mason embarked on a remarkable photographic journey through the streets of Paris, accompanied by his wife, Lisa. "Lisa is a walker, and I am a street photographer," Mason explains. Their complementary passions—her love for exploring the city on foot and his talent for capturing candid moments—merged seamlessly, leading them to traverse 80 miles of Parisian streets, sidewalks, and iconic landmarks. Lisa’s energetic pace and curiosity provided the perfect rhythm for Mason to immerse himself in the art of street photography, resulting in an evocative collection of images that celebrate life in all its forms, from bustling cafés to serene parks and everything in between.
Mason describes his work as "life photography," emphasizing the authenticity of capturing unmanipulated, real-world moments. While often categorized as street photography, Mason views life photography as broader—encompassing human experiences in settings both grand and intimate, from bustling cafés and quiet museums to serene parks and city streets. “Paris has to be one of the top locations for street photography in the world,” he says. “It is a happily walkable city, with wonderful life moments teeming all around.” For Mason, the streets of Paris offered a vibrant canvas where the spontaneity of everyday life unfolded in endless, compelling ways.
Artistry in Everyday Moments
ѲDz’s exhibition showcases his talent for finding extraordinary beauty in ordinary moments. Whether capturing the charm of a lively café, the tranquility of a park, or even the personality of Parisian dogs, his photographs reflect the essence of the city. One particularly striking image, taken in the café at the Musée d’Orsay, highlights his knack for uncovering art in unexpected places.
True to his philosophy, ѲDz’s work remains unaltered by digital manipulation, preserving the raw and genuine nature of his subjects. His return to street photography (or, life photography)—his first love in the medium—infuses the exhibition with a renewed energy and passion, making it a powerful celebration of the life and soul of Paris.
from Perusing Paris
An Artist and Educator’s Legacy
Mason is a celebrated figure in the world of photography and education, with a career spanning 35 years at the 鶹 Fairbanks. His work has been featured in renowned publications like Time, Smithsonian, and The New York Times, and he has received numerous awards, including the Oskar Barnack Award for his documentation of the Barrow, Alaska Whale Rescue.
ѲDz’s commitment to experiential learning extends beyond his own work. As an educator, he inspires students to engage with their art, encouraging them to participate in exhibitions and contribute to the vibrant art community.
Art and Journalism at UAF
The UAF Art and Journalism departments exemplify the university’s dedication to fostering creativity, critical thinking, and meaningful engagement with the world. The Art Department offers a diverse curriculum that encourages innovative expression across various mediums, helping students develop their unique artistic voices. Similarly, the Department of Science and Environmental Journalism equips students with the skills to become ethical storytellers, addressing pressing global issues through real-world experiences and interdisciplinary opportunities. Together, these departments contribute to UAF’s broader mission of preparing students to think critically, create boldly, and engage deeply with their communities.
ѲDz’s Perusing Paris reflects UAF’s commitment to fostering community connections and promoting experiential learning. The exhibition demonstrates ѲDz’s passion for his craft and his dedication to inspiring students to pursue opportunities beyond the classroom. By showcasing his work publicly, Mason exemplifies how faculty encourage students to share their art and journalism with the world, enriching both local and global communities. This approach not only strengthens student learning but also underscores the university’s mission of fostering collaboration, creativity, and civic engagement.
About Charles Mason
Charles Mason is in his 35th year of teaching photography and photojournalism at the 鶹 Fairbanks.
Mason started making photographs at 11, using baking pans for developing trays in his makeshift bedroom darkroom. He was a photographer on his high school yearbook, then a staff University photographer at his college, Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia. He moved to Alaska after graduating to work at the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner before accepting his current position at UAF.
ѲDz’s assignment work has been featured in many publications, including Time, Outside, LIFE, Sports Illustrated, Smithsonian, Newsweek, the New York Times, the Washington Post, and others. Mason's photographs were also featured in the Pictures of the Year issues of Time, LIFE, and Stern. His image from a small circus in Fairbanks was featured on the cover of the NYTimes #1 bestseller Water for Elephants.
Mason won the acclaimed international Oskar Barnack Award at World Press Photo in Amsterdam in 1989 for his series on the Barrow, Alaska Whale Rescue. His work has received other awards at World Press Photo and POY, and many other national and international awards. Mason has received two Rasmuson Individual Artists’ Grants, and the UAF Usibelli Award for Excellence in Teaching.
Mason's personal work includes series on Zoos, Kudzu, Circus, and Street Work. He is now absorbed in making 8x10 Collodion photographs of the social and natural landscapes in Alaska. His work can be seen on his website, charlesmason.com. His Instagram hashtag is #charlesmason.
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