Judy Ellis Glickman is a celebrated American photographer, collector, and philanthropist whose work has left a profound mark on both the art world and humanitarian efforts. Born in 1938, Glickman has spent decades exploring themes of memory, resilience, and the power of light through her photography. She is particularly known for her sensitive and haunting documentation of Holocaust sites, which has brought global attention to this crucial chapter of history.
Beyond her own artistic creations, Glickman has built an impressive collection of photographs by some of the most influential artists of the 20th century, preserving these works for future generations. Through her photography, her collecting, and her philanthropy, Judy Ellis Glickman has become a lasting influence in the world of art and culture.
Her focus on the human experience, combined with her dedication to preserving history and supporting the arts, makes her a unique figure whose work continues to resonate. From intimate portraits to large-scale exhibitions, her contributions reflect a deep commitment to storytelling, memory, and the visual record of humanity.
Early Life and Influences
Judy Ellis Glickman was born into a family deeply connected to the world of photography. Her father, Irving Bennett Ellis, was a respected pictorialist photographer whose work often blended artistic expression with careful technical craftsmanship. Growing up in this creative environment, Glickman was exposed to photography from a very young age. She even served as a model for some of her father’s work, which later became iconic in Eastman Kodak advertisements.
This early exposure to photography helped shape her eye for composition, light, and emotional storytelling. Surrounded by the tools and traditions of the photographic world, she developed a lifelong appreciation for capturing moments that convey more than just visual beauty—they tell a story and preserve memory. These formative experiences instilled in her both technical skill and an artistic sensibility that would guide her career for decades.
A Career Behind the Camera
Judy Ellis Glickman’s professional journey as a photographer began with a passion for observing the world through a lens. She quickly developed a reputation for her thoughtful approach and her ability to capture emotion with subtlety and depth. Unlike some photographers who rely heavily on artificial lighting or digital effects, Glickman favors natural and available light, which lends her work a timeless and atmospheric quality.
Over the years, her photography evolved from simple portraits to more complex thematic projects. She consistently focused on capturing human experiences in ways that are both personal and universally meaningful. Her style, influenced by her father’s pictorialist techniques, emphasizes texture, shadow, and the interplay of light and darkness to create images that feel alive and deeply reflective. This distinctive approach has made her work instantly recognizable and widely respected in artistic circles.
Documenting History: Holocaust Photography
One of the defining aspects of Judy Ellis Glickman’s career is her work documenting Holocaust sites. Beginning in 1988, she traveled to locations in Poland, Czechoslovakia, and Germany to photograph concentration camps and other significant sites. Her goal was not just to record the physical spaces but to evoke the memory and humanity of those who suffered. These black-and-white photographs are haunting, yet they also carry a quiet reverence and a sense of reflection.
In the early 1990s, Glickman was commissioned to document the Danish rescue of its Jewish population during World War II. This work culminated in the exhibition and book Beyond the Shadows: The Holocaust and the Danish Exception. Through these projects, her photography highlighted both the horror of the Holocaust and the stories of courage and resilience that emerged from that period. Her images explore themes of memory, history, and the enduring human spirit, making them deeply moving and historically significant.
Collecting and Preserving Photographic Art
In addition to her own photography, Judy Ellis Glickman has dedicated herself to collecting and preserving the work of other photographers. Her collection, known as the Judy Glickman Lauder Collection, includes over 600 photographs by some of the most iconic artists of the 20th century. The collection features works by Dorothea Lange, Gordon Parks, Edward Steichen, and many others, alongside her own photography.
In 2022, she made a transformative promised gift of this collection to the Portland Museum of Art in Maine. This donation not only expanded the museum’s holdings but also ensured that these important works would be accessible to the public for years to come. A selection from her collection, titled Presence, has been featured in traveling exhibitions across the United States, allowing audiences nationwide to engage with these remarkable photographs. Through her collecting and philanthropy, Glickman has played a vital role in preserving the history of photography and its cultural significance.
Personal Life and Partnerships
Judy Ellis Glickman’s personal life has been intertwined with her artistic and philanthropic endeavors. She was married to Albert B. Glickman for 54 years until his passing in 2013. In 2015, she married Leonard A. Lauder, Chairman Emeritus of The Estée Lauder Companies. Her partnerships, both personal and professional, have supported her ongoing work in photography, collecting, and philanthropy.
Her personal experiences have influenced her artistic vision, particularly her interest in memory, history, and human resilience. Glickman’s relationships and life experiences have contributed to her empathy and insight as a photographer, allowing her to create images that resonate emotionally with viewers.
Philanthropy and Cultural Impact
Beyond her artistic work, Judy Ellis Glickman is a dedicated philanthropist. Together with Leonard Lauder, she has supported numerous arts, cultural, and humanitarian causes. Notably, she has contributed to the Glickman Lauder Center of Excellence in Autism and Developmental Disorders and various Jewish-related charities.
Her philanthropic efforts extend to promoting photographic arts and supporting institutions that preserve and celebrate cultural heritage. By giving back to the arts community, she has helped ensure that photography remains a vital medium for storytelling and historical documentation. Glickman’s commitment to both art and humanitarian causes reflects her broader vision of using creativity to inspire, educate, and foster compassion.
Legacy and Recognition
Judy Ellis Glickman’s work has been recognized internationally. Her photographs are part of the permanent collections of over 300 institutions, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the J. Paul Getty Museum. Her contributions have influenced both contemporary photographers and collectors, highlighting the enduring importance of photography as an art form and historical record.
Her legacy is defined not only by the images she has created but also by the cultural institutions she has supported and the collections she has preserved. Glickman’s work continues to inspire artists, historians, and the public, reminding us of the power of photography to capture memory, evoke emotion, and preserve history for future generations.
Conclusion
Judy Ellis Glickman stands as a remarkable figure in photography and philanthropy. Her career reflects a deep commitment to documenting human experiences, preserving cultural history, and supporting the arts. Through her own photographs, her carefully curated collection, and her philanthropic efforts, she has left an indelible mark on the world of art and culture.
Her focus on Holocaust documentation, humanitarian themes, and the emotional depth of her imagery ensures that her work continues to educate and inspire. Today, Judy Ellis Glickman remains a powerful example of how photography can illuminate the human story and preserve memory, reminding readers why her contributions are both significant and enduring.
FAQs
Who is Judy Ellis Glickman?
She is an American photographer, collector, and philanthropist, famous for Holocaust photography, her art collection, and cultural contributions.
What is the Judy Glickman Lauder Collection?
It’s a collection of over 600 photographs by iconic artists, donated to the Portland Museum of Art, featuring works by Dorothea Lange, Gordon Parks, and Edward Steichen.
What are some of her famous exhibitions?
Notable exhibitions include Beyond the Shadows: The Holocaust and the Danish Exception and the traveling show Presence, showcasing her collection.
How does she support humanitarian causes?
She contributes to autism research, Jewish charities, and arts organizations, often in partnership with Leonard Lauder.
Where can I see her photography?
Her work is in over 300 institutions, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Whitney Museum, and the J. Paul Getty Museum.
