GOVERNORS ISLAND — The final work of celebrated photographer Mary Ellen Mark has found a home on Governors Island.
Mark, an iconic documentary photographer who died in May at the age of 75, shot her last photo series in New Orleans a month before she succumbed to amyelodysplastic syndrome, a blood disorder.
The series of portraits, called Picture This: New Orleans, gives a characteristically intimate glimpse into the lives of New Orleans residents. The sometimes haunting images are on display now through Sept. 27 in a historic old home on Governors Island.
News network CNN commissioned the series in anticipation of the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Along with photos, the multimedia exhibition captures the stories behind the pictures.
In one of the black-and-white images, a pair of serious-faced 8-year-olds sit side-by-side in rocking chairs, wearing cowboy hats. The boys were just frozen embryos when Katrina hit — and power was cut to the hospital where they were stored. Though many embryos were lost, they managed to survive.
Mary Ellen Mark for CNN
Another portrait captures a boy in an elaborate costume and headdress, on his way to practice music routines for Mardi Gras.
Mary Ellen Mark for CNN
The exhibit, presented by CNN, in conjunction with the International Center for Photography, is on display in Nolan Park on Governors Island. The show is open weekends, from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through Sept. 27.
You can also check out the series online, at CNN Money's website.
