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Ten years previous to the 9-11 incident, almost to the day, this powerful and iconic photograph was taken of the Twin Towers, by Scott Andrew Tugel. The historical significance at the time that this photograph was created, could not be known. The expression of the model wearing the famous Donna Karan bodysuit, positioned between the towers, with plane overhead, foreshadows the tragedy that was to take place.
The image was shot in 1991, as part of a collaborative project titled “Restorations”. The series of work includes sixty different photographs from around the world. This work combines the elements of important structures and places with women from their native countries expressing the artists vision that our world is in need of restoration. This could not be more true than now.
Ten years following the 9/11 incident, the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center will open, and “Towers of Power” will be part of the permanent collection. The museum quality, 40×60 inch, large format prints were originally exhibited by the Kodak Professional Photography Division of New York City and Kodak Photo Salon in Tokyo. This work can also be found in the New York Library Permanent Collection of prints and photographs, curated by Julia Van Haaften.and the Bibliotheque Nationale de Paris, curated by Jean Claude Lemagny, in addition to multiple corporate and private collections.
Scott Tugel grew up in Southern California before traveling and working successfully throughout the world, including Europe and Japan, as a fashion and fine art photographer. He is responsible for the invention of many photographic techniques including the cross-processing of photographic film.
The image “Towers of Power” produces a timeless, prophetic perspective. The photo brings to light the invisible chord between the past, present and future. This is a significant time, at this ten year mark, to remember those we lost, recognize all who have endured, and to inspire strength to overcome adversity. “Towers of Power” provides a rich image of resilience and hope.
