Constantine Manos: American Color
Robert Klein Gallery is proud to present a distinctive collection of celebrated color photographs by legendary Magnum photographer Constantine Manos, drawn from his acclaimed series American Color. Each image in the exhibition was printed by Manos himself in his Massachusetts studio before his passing, and several are being shown for the first time in the impressive 24 x 36 inch format.
American Color is a vibrant journey through the kaleidoscopic fabric of life in the United States—a compelling fusion of color, culture, and spontaneity. From the glowing boardwalks of Venice Beach to the pulsating spirit of Mardi Gras, Manos captures ephemeral moments and turns them into unforgettable visual statements.
A dedicated Magnum Photos member for decades, Manos devoted much of his career to observing life in America’s shared spaces. Through rich color palettes and meticulous composition, he distills chaotic street scenes into captivating, layered images—revealing a vision of American life that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.
While grounded in the places and people of the U.S., American Color doesn’t seek to define a nation—it revels in movement, gesture, and the dreamlike quality of ordinary life seen through an extraordinary lens. Each frame encourages the viewer to pause, look deeper, and discover the subtle interplay of chance and design.
Born in South Carolina in 1934 to Greek immigrant parents, Constantine Manos built an international reputation for his humanistic and visually bold approach to photography. His work resides in major public and private collections worldwide, and his books—including Portrait of a Symphony, A Greek Portfolio, and Bostonians—are considered landmarks of the genre. Manos passed away this year at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy of visual storytelling that continues to inspire.
About the Author
Constantine “Costa” Manos (1934–2025) was an American photographer best known for his vivid depictions of life in Boston and Greece. His photographs appeared in major publications such as Esquire, Life, and Look, and he was a longtime member of the Magnum Photos agency. Born in Columbia, South Carolina, on October 12, 1934, to Greek immigrant parents, Manos discovered photography in his teenage years after joining his high school’s camera club. His talent developed quickly, and by his late teens, he was already working professionally. At the age of 19, he was named the official photographer for the Boston Symphony Orchestra at Tanglewood, a role that led to the publication of his first book, Portrait of a Symphony, in 1961. He studied English Literature at the University of South Carolina, graduating in 1955. After completing his military service, Manos moved to New York City, where he contributed to a range of major magazines. From 1961 to 1964, he lived in Greece, photographing everyday life in villages and rural landscapes. This body of work became the foundation of A Greek Portfolio, published in 1972 and widely acclaimed for its humanistic and timeless qualities.
Manos became associated with Magnum Photos in 1963 and was elected a full member in 1965. He later settled in Boston, where he was commissioned to create a photographic record for Where’s Boston?, a cultural event marking the city’s bicentennial. The images were later compiled into the book Bostonians: Photographs from Where’s Boston? In addition to his independent work, he also collaborated with Time-Life Books on various projects. In 1995, Manos published American Color, a bold departure into saturated color photography that captured candid moments across the United States. The project highlighted his unique approach to color, composition, and street life. A revised edition of A Greek Portfolio was released in 1999, coinciding with a major retrospective at the Benaki Museum in Athens. In 2003, his achievements were recognized with the Leica Medal of Excellence for his work on American Color. Manos continued working with Leica cameras throughout his life, developing a follow-up to American Color and further exploring the relationship between color, geometry, and chance in public spaces.
He passed away on January 3, 2025, at the age of 90, leaving behind a powerful legacy in documentary and street photography.
Constantine Manos – American Color
through March 31, 2025
Robert Klein Gallery – Boston – USA
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