Dec. 31, 2008
I met photographer Rene Gelpi in the late sixties when he was learning the art as assistant to a commercial photographer, Ralph Gross, who became is brother-in-law when Ralph married Rene's sister, 20 years younger then he was. The magazine that had a feature story was "INFINITY" , March 1973. They spelled is last name wrong, "Crelpi".I had an original print of the young puerto rican girl in the tiny bathroom but can't find it. What became of Rene?
I am a photography student and found a book in the library with art work of Rene Gelpi. I got curious and researched further... thats how i found your post :) I would like to know myself what became of Rene! :)
ReplyDeleteHe is still alive, living in New York. Parkinson's disease (very advanced now) has robbed him of his ability to steadily hold a camera and much more. He's a bit of a recluse now, proud Gelpi that he is.
ReplyDeleteAs a teenage photographer in the 1970's, Rene was one of my hero's. I thought (and still do) that the article on him in the August 1974 Pop Photo was some the best portait worked I'd ever seen.
ReplyDeleteSofia, very sad to hear of Rene's illness.
I'm wondering, are you Rene's daughter?
Harris Austin (fujicaman@gmail.com)
I am his niece. Rene was my mother's brother. So sorry, Mr. Austin, that I didn't get a chance to answer this back in 2017.
DeleteRene Gelpi was night manager at jack ward color i worked on his team there he inspired my photography but more than that he was a great example of and one of the most interesting human beings i have ever had the pleasure of knowing. It is an honor having known him as both a pperson and artist Eric Zori
ReplyDeleteBy coincidence his photo of painter on bridge was in photo magazine when i was in high school and it inspired me back then to take up photography then years later i worked with him and he has given me a signed print which is on my living room wall to this day small world is it not
ReplyDeleteSomeone Knowns Rene? He is my unckle. But I have no info since he got sick. so If somoenknowns about him Let me know please.
ReplyDeleteR u Raul’s Jr daughter? I’m your grandfathers niece Ana Teresa. Isidoro Gelpi is my father. I understand that Rene Gelpi passed away this weekend from complications of Parkinson’s. He was 72
DeleteAna Teresa, Rene was my uncle. Raul Gelpi was my grandfather. I hope we can connect! Sofia_Gelpi@yahoo.com
DeleteRene Guillermo Gelpi passed away at Kings County Medical Hospital in Brooklyn, NY, on July 8, 2018, after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease. He was buried in Brooklyn on July 11, 2018. Thank you everyone for the fond memories you held of my uncle. His work lives on!
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