University of Virginia Library

Wordless Commentary On American Life

By Holly Smith
Cavalier Daily Staff Writer

A wordless commentary on the United
States stretches down the Newcomb Hall
corridor, saying with light and form what is
too subtle to be said with words. George de
Vincent's photography exhibit touches on the
beauty of this country, the pathos of its poor,
the absurdity he feels is intrinsic in its army.

Mr. de Vincent, a Washington professional
photographer, was named by Evergreen
Magazine as "one of the most imaginative and
creative personalities in this country." His
collections of photography, "Shame of a
Nation." "In the Midst of Plenty," and
"Profiles of Poverty," have helped to
supplement Presidential Commission reports
on the plight of the nation's poor, and to
bring to light the faces and living conditions
of "the other America."

His pictures show not only his compassion
for the poor but his sense of humor, as in the
shot of the bubble gum-blowing ballerina; and
his discontent with the U.S. Army, stated by
alternating pictures of police and soldiers with
pictures of circus clowns dressed in similar
uniforms.

The exhibit was brought to the University
by Newcomb Hall Director John Herring who
saw Mr. de Vincent's photographs in a
Smithsonian exhibit and asked if he could
bring them to the University. According to
Mr. Herring, Mr. de Vincent "very generously
not only agreed to the showing but drove the
exhibit to Charlottesville himself."

The exhibit will be on the second floor of
Newcomb Hall through February 22.