Sometime in 1988, an unassuming FedEx driver made a routine delivery to Mel DiGiacomo’s Harrington Park gallery, Mark Reeves, the driver, didn’t know the gallery existed. He hadn’t a clue that this encounter with the photographer/gallery owner was about to profoundly alter his life and perception going forward, having long been interested in photography, but never approaching the art. In the gallery he witnessed the quality and quantity of beautiful black and white photographs filling the gallery. It was a true revelation for this nascent artist’s aspirations. Mel’s own work was interspersed with works of his peers in an intoxicating mix of photojournalism and documentary photography.
Profoundly moved by this monochromatic tour de force, Mark asked if it would be possible to return and talk about the images and their effect on him. Mark quickly returned to the gallery, took Mel’s advice, and began a three plus decade mentorship in his close company, inspired by learning his philosophy and dedication to visual literacy. Mel pushed Mark to visit galleries, museums, to read books and “strengthen his eye” to see how the greats in photography “filled a frame” and he grew as a photographer.
He retired from his day job and is solely devoted to carrying this inspiration forward wherever it leads him. As life is often stranger than fiction, our dear friend and great photographer Mel Di Giacomo passed away just four days before the scheduled opening of Mark’s first solo show at Gallery 270. Mark Reeves and Gallery 270 dedicate this show in homage to the amazing man and “the photographer’s photographer” who inspired Mark and countless others with his exemplary life and work.
Thank you, Mel!