MIDDLETOWN — George A. Tice, an iconic figure in the world of photography and often referred to as the “photographer laureate” of New Jersey, passed away last Thursday at the age of 86.Known for his striking black-and-white images, Tice masterfully captured the raw, often melancholic essence of urban landscapes, particularly those of his beloved home state.
Over his illustrious career, Tice authored an remarkable 24 photography books and received numerous accolades, including fellowships from the Guggenheim foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts. His contributions to the art form were further recognized with a lifetime achievement award from the Lucie Foundation, a prestigious organization celebrating excellence in photography.
His works are housed in prominent collections around the globe,including the museum of Modern art. In 2003,William Paterson University honored him with an honorary doctorate,cementing his legacy as a pillar of the photographic community.According to his obituary, “He never retired. Photography was his life, and his vast body of work will continue to captivate audiences for generations to come.”
In a 1996 interview with View Camera magazine, Tice described his artistic approach as “documenting the place”, drawing inspiration from Walker Evans, the legendary Depression-era photojournalist. Reflecting on his work, Tice noted, “The bulk of my photographs are of new Jersey. It may have been a subject series, like ice or aquatic plants, that could have been anywhere, but it was done in New Jersey.”
Born in newark in 1938,Tice’s early life was marked by a nomadic lifestyle as part of an Irish Traveller community. This unique upbringing undoubtedly influenced his perspective and artistic vision, shaping him into the celebrated photographer he would become.His ability to find beauty in the ordinary and portray it with profound depth earned him a place among the most respected artists of his time.
George A. Tice’s passing leaves a void in the world of photography,but his legacy endures through his extensive portfolio and the countless lives he touched with his art. His work remains a testament to the power of photography to tell stories, evoke emotions, and immortalize moments in time.
George Tice: Capturing the Essence of New Jersey Through Photography
George Tice’s journey into the world of photography began at the tender age of 14. What started as a teenage passion eventually blossomed into a lifelong career after his service in the U.S.Navy. By the 1970s, Tice had established himself as a prominent figure in the art world, showcasing his work in New york galleries and taking on assignments for prestigious publications like Life magazine.
Renowned photography historian Peter Bunnell onc referred to Tice as the “photographer laureate of New Jersey,” a title that perfectly encapsulates his deep connection to the Garden State. While Tice’s lens captured scenes from around the globe, it was his evocative images of New Jersey’s landscapes and architecture that truly defined his legacy.
“A place belongs to those who claim it,” Tice famously told New Jersey Monthly in 2014. This ideology resonated throughout his work, as he immortalized the everyday beauty of his home state.
Among his most iconic photographs are a White Castle restaurant on Route 1 in Rahway and a gas station in Cherry Hill. Thes images, though seemingly mundane, reveal Tice’s unique ability to find artistry in the ordinary. His extensive portfolio also includes numerous books and exhibitions, many of which spotlighted the industrial charm of Paterson, New Jersey.
Tice’s work even found its way into the world of theater.A series of his photographs served as scenic backdrops for the 2005 musical Jersey boys, which celebrated the rise of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. This collaboration brought his visual storytelling to a broader audience, further cementing his influence.
in 2007, Tice published Ticetown, a personal project that delved into his ancestral roots in Monmouth County. This collection was the result of years of meticulous genealogical research, offering a poignant glimpse into his family’s history. Reflecting on his nomadic childhood, tice once wrote, “We moved north in the summer and south in the winter — home was wherever we camped. When we weren’t on the road, New Jersey was home.”
George Tice’s contributions to photography go beyond mere documentation. His images are a testament to the power of perspective, reminding us that beauty can be found in the most unexpected places. Through his lens, new Jersey’s streets, buildings, and landscapes became timeless works of art, earning him a permanent place in the annals of photographic history.
George Tice: Capturing the Essence of New Jersey Through the Lens
In the heart of New Jersey, amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life, lies a legacy that transcends time. George Tice, a photographer whose work has left an indelible mark on the art world, once said, “Nobody really claimed New Jersey as theirs, and I made it my own.” This profound statement, shared in a 2002 interview with The New York Times, encapsulates the essence of Tice’s journey—a journey that began in the streets of Rahway and spanned the globe.
Tice’s ability to find beauty in the ordinary is what set him apart.His photographs, often in black and white, immortalized the mundane—a gleaming White Castle on Route 1 in Rahway in 1973, a ghostly water tower standing tall against the horizon. These images,though simple in subject,carried a depth that spoke volumes about the artist’s connection to his surroundings.
“He taught me about the making of images, about beauty in the ordinary, how to master black and white printing, about making an image, and about survival as an artist,” said william Abranowicz, an award-winning photographer and New Jersey native, in an Instagram post dedicated to Tice.
Abranowicz, who credits tice as a mentor, described him as “all Jersey tough love. A great artist,a powerful man.” He added, “He represented New Jersey on an international stage.” Indeed, Tice’s work transcended geographical boundaries, earning him acclaim far beyond the Garden State.
Aside from his artistic contributions, Tice’s personal life was rich with connections. He is survived by five children,nine grandchildren,eight great-grandchildren,and two brothers—a testament to the enduring legacy he leaves behind.
for those who knew him, George tice was more than a photographer; he was a storyteller, a mentor, and a visionary. His work continues to inspire,reminding us to find beauty in the everyday and to claim our own corner of the world,just as he did with New Jersey.