This online exhibition of Arthur Griffin’s work is an ode to the summer months approaching and his passion for photographing bodies of water along the east coast of New England. Born in 1903 in Lawrence, Massachusetts, Griffin developed into a celebrated photographer through his work for The Boston Globe newspaper and Life and Times magazines. He held a special admiration for photographing the celebration of the summer months by those who enjoyed spending their time by the sea.
Griffin dedicated much of his photography to seaside towns in the summer to capture the happiness and relaxation of those who spent their time vacationing on the water. He specifically photographed these idyllic scenes of small-town charm in New Harbor, Maine.
Griffin also captured people in their elements as they participated in well-loved summertime hobbies such as fishing. He highlighted the interactions of others between themselves and nature while engaging in these activities. Griffin made a point of evoking ideas of tradition and connection for his viewers with such photographs of human bonding activities.
In Biddeford, Maine, Griffin photographed families passing time together on the beach and enjoying themselves, evoking emotions of familial love and ease for his viewers. These photographs also emphasize his tendency to capture horizons as shown in much of his work.
Additionally, Griffin photographed several scenes along the coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, during his lifetime whether it be of groups riding horseback or abandoned boats crashing onto the shore. Such photographs highlight moments of movement concentrated into a single image of summertime activities.
To view more of Arthur Griffin’s photography, visit The Arthur Griffin Photo Archive.
Written & Curated by Aiko Dable – Intern, Spring 2024
