David Katzenstein began taking pictures at age eight and hasn’t stopped since. The turning point in the development of his “vision” was a gift of “The World of Henri Cartier-Bresson” (a collection of the famous French photographer’s work) when he was 18. “Cartier-Bresson’s ability to capture the decisive moment became my greatest influence and I became determined to combine my keen interest in diverse cultures with my strong desire to become a photographer,” says Katzenstein.
For the past 30 years Katzenstein has traveled throughout the world, either on assignment for publications or on personal journeys. His extensive body of work includes magazine essays on The Master Musicians of Jajouka in Morocco, Johnny Clegg and Zulu Music and Culture, The Music and Culture of Bali, President Aristide and the Future of Haiti, Travels through Vanuatu, Arabs in America and the Gulf War, and Immigrants.
Katzenstein’s photographs have been exhibited at several galleries in the United States including Marlborough, DTW, Photonica, and Bone, all in New York City, and the Anne Reed Gallery in Ketchum, Idaho. “Distant Journeys: cultural Explorations of David Katzenstein,” opened in February, 2000 at The Lamont Gallery in Exeter, New Hampshire. It comprised a collection of over 180 photographs spanning 20 years of work. “WorldViews: Ritual and Celebration” opened at The National Arts Club in New York City on May 1 2001. The photographs were selected from his ongoing project about rituals around the world.
In October, 2002 Katzenstein’s exhibition Series 1 was the inaugural exhibition of his current New York City gallery In Camera. Momentum, an installation of over 100 black and white prints, was also at In Camera from January 8 – March 13, 2004. It was an installation of over 100 black and white photographs from all over the world that related to movement, both physical and visual.
In 2004 the CEO of AES (an energy company based in 29 countries), Paul Hanrahan, selected David Katzenstein to create a library of images to define the company all over the world. Since October 2004, Katzenstein has traveled to 25 countries creating a singular body of work that explores the depth of AES's infrastructure and also its commitment to the countries where it does business. The photographs are being used in annual reports and all collateral materials as well as fine art exhibition prints that have been commissioned for their corporate headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. Click on the following link to view one of the AES projects: The AES Movie
Katzenstein has spent the last 25 years traveling the globe exploring cultures both urban and remote. His knowledge of the globe and his ability to adapt to different cultures is matched by his love of people, his sense of humor and his desire to show positive aspects of all cultures.