Photographs by Constantine Manos exhibit the diverse flavors of Boston at Leica

Constantine Manos was a prolific photographer who was well-known in Boston for his work on the multi-media exhibit “Where’s Boston?” in the 1970s. With a career spanning decades and locations such as Greece, Florida, and California, Manos captured the essence of Boston through his lens. The exhibit at the Prudential Center featured thousands of images, most of which were taken by Manos himself, projected across screens.

Although “Seeing Across Generations” at the Leica Gallery only showcases a small selection of Manos’s work, the impact is significant. The exhibition includes photographs from “Where’s Boston?” and highlights the diversity and expressive quality of his photography. Additionally, the display indirectly acknowledges Manos’s role as a teacher, featuring works from photographers who were mentored by him.

Manos’s images offer a slice of Boston life from various neighborhoods and landmarks, creating a visual celebration of the city. From Franklin Park to the Boston Symphony Orchestra, each photograph captures a unique aspect of the city’s character. The exhibit not only serves as a historical or sociological documentation but also showcases the artistry in Manos’s compositions.

While Manos’s photographs are primarily in black and white, he was also skilled in capturing color, a rarity in serious photography during his time. Other photographers in the exhibit, such as Stella Johnson and Iaritza Menjivar, bring a fresh perspective with color photography from different locations like California and Argentina. Johnson’s vibrant beach scenes and Menjivar’s intriguing images from Argentina add depth to the exhibition.

“In Between Middle: Where Stories Reside” at the Grossmann Gallery of the University of Massachusetts at Boston’s Healey Library offers a unique glimpse into the final year of the Lilla G. Frederick Pilot Middle School. Through student artworks, texts, and historical artifacts, the exhibition commemorates the school’s legacy as the last middle school in the Boston Public Schools system. Despite its closure, the school will continue as an elementary school, honoring the memory of a local community activist.

Both exhibitions, “Seeing Across Generations” and “In Between Middle,” capture different eras of Boston’s history and serve as emotional touchpoints for viewers. Constantine Manos’s timeless photographs from “Where’s Boston?” juxtaposed with contemporary works in “Seeing Across Generations” provide a visual dialogue across generations. Similarly, “In Between Middle” preserves the legacy of a beloved school while looking towards a new chapter in its journey.