Michel Lambeth, Canadian Photographer

Maia-Mari Sutnik. Michel Lambeth Photographer (1999) Lambeth (1923-1977) was a Canadian photographer with strong socio-political convictions, which at times interfered with his willingness to take on bread-and-butter assignments. His work as sampled here shows not only technical skill and a sensitivity to the human narratives surrounding his pictures, but also an aesthetic based on understanding the possibilities of black-and-white photography. He did work in colour too, mostly on assignment for Star Weekly, a newsprint magazine distributed with the Toronto Star and available separately as well.
     Sutnik clearly believes that Lambeth is a neglected figure in the history of Canadian photography. I think she’s right. He was one of many 1960s Canadian artists who objected to colonial reverence for British (and European) art, and neo-colonial diffidence vis-a-vis American art. Was he a great photographer? No, but he was a pretty good one, as the cover photo shows. He understood the power of black and white, and preferred prints with a short mid-range. He also had the gift of attracting his subjects’ trust, so that they did not feel the need to mask themselves in conventional poses.
     A worthwhile monograph. Sutnik wrote it accompany an exhibition of Lambeth’s work at the AGO. She asked some of his friends to write reminiscences. An online search will yield many images of his photos. **½