Abe Frajndlich, a renowned photographer born in 1946 in a displaced persons camp in Frankfurt, Germany, has led a life shaped by resilience and creativity. Surviving the Holocaust, he journeyed through Israel and Brazil before settling in Cleveland, Ohio, where he was raised by his adoptive family. This multicultural upbringing ignited his passion for storytelling, leading him to pursue literature and photography.
Frajndlich earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Northwestern University, focusing on James Joyce's Ulysses. His artistic path shifted towards photography in 1970, and from 1984 to 2016, he became a significant figure in the New York photography scene. Since returning to Cleveland, Frajndlich continues to produce compelling work, contributing to the local art community.
His photography is part of esteemed collections, including the Whitney Museum of American Art and the National Portrait Gallery. Frajndlich's editorial contributions span notable publications such as The New York Times Magazine and Vanity Fair. To date, nine monographs have been published about his work, the latest being Seventyfive at Seventyfive (2022).
A pivotal moment in Frajndlich’s development was studying under Minor White, a revered photographer, during a transformative workshop in Cleveland. His recent exhibitions, such as Chameleon at the Fotografie Forum Frankfurt (2023) and Portraits of Our Early Years at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Cleveland (2019), showcase his continuing impact on contemporary photography.
Frajndlich is celebrated for his portraits, which often reveal the unique narratives behind renowned photographers. His book, Penelope's Hungry Eyes, features over 100 portraits, highlighting the distinctive qualities of each subject's gaze. His innovative approach captures both the vulnerability and strength of his fellow photographers, allowing them to step out from behind their cameras.
In addition to his artistic achievements, Frajndlich dedicates time to mentoring young photographers through workshops, sharing his expertise and passion for the medium. His work not only contributes to the rich tapestry of photographic history but also fosters a new generation of creatives.
