There’s a sadness in the neighborhood today, an empty space; it used to be filled by a wonderful photographer and courageous person named Meredith Allen who passed away on March 17th.
"Sugar Tales #6 (ears)" 2000
You can’t help but be captivated by the sense of imagination and bravura use of color in her playful, soulful, funny/sad pictures.
"Sugar Tales #10" 2000
They’ve been exhibited around the W’burg for more than a decade; they’ve been shown in Chelsea as recently as this month. Meredith had a huge exhibition history.
There’s the stuffed toys in plastic bags. A series that’s called, appropriately enough, “Forever.”
"Forever #6 (duck)" 2003
"Forever #5 (toucan) 2003
The melty ice-cream pops—you must have seen those.
"Atlantic Avenue (bugs bunny)" 2000
"Kalers Pond (snoopy)" 1999
And, over the years, if you were part of the scene, you were lucky enough to know Meredith and her amazing smile personally. Meredith was always there taking pictures at openings, documenting things. Sometimes she’d send you a picture of yourself in the mail with a nice note. Right before she passed away, (can someone confirm this?) she’d been archiving the lot of them.
Attention must be paid. The nabe is not the same. But we are all happy and blessed to have known her. It’s strange to say it, but it’s almost as if the joy and honest innocence of her pictures “colors” this incredible loss.
Caroline Cox
March 18, 2011
For several years Meredith has published books of the slide shows that she gave at the 4 Walls Film Club. The photos chronicle neighborhood events, art openings, friends, food, and pets. There are over 20 books and they are amazing, they can be viewed and purchased at blurb.com. Meredith was totally focused on putting her books together, a number are left unfinished.
Joyce Pensato
March 18, 2011
Meredith was a inspiration to me she was at one with her work and herself
she made a difference I always felt a strong connection
to Meredith photos dripping ice pops , Donald’s, garbage, dogs, friends and some times family whats more to life then that.
She had a joy in life check out her books her spirit will live on
katia Santibanez
March 20, 2011
Thank you Meredith for giving us so many gifts: your photographs, your books , your mind and your smile.
Hanneke van Velzen
March 21, 2011
Just a suggestion for someone with access to Meredith’s as a memorial publication (deadline 14 april): http://2011.fotobookfestival.org/en/dummy_award/. It is an award part of Fotobook Festival in Kassel Germany. Yet unpublished books (such as produced on Blurb) can be chosen to be officially published and get publicity (oa in European Photography).