“I am the same person I always was; expect I’ve become more elaborate.” You might not recognize Allan Tannenbaum by name, but you certainly know him through his iconic, distinctly human photos. Back To The Present gives a rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the life, craft, and philosophy of an artist who’s often kept shielded by the prowess of his work. As a long-time motorcycle enthusiast, Tannenbaum rides his way through capturing the likes of John Lennon, Yoko Ono, The Ramones, Jimi Hendrix, to the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks and conflict in the Middle East.
Through a series of intimate moments explored by director Jean Pierre Kathoefer, we are reminded that life’s winding road becomes more vibrant when we stop to take notice of the moments around us. Tannenbaum’s new chapter leads him to split time between the now guilded streets of SoHo in his original studio, and his more quiet life in the Catskills. While Tannenbaum’s accolades and activism as a photojournalist have brought him an incredible amount of success, it’s clear that he’s never abandoned the unrelenting spirit that have got him to where he is today.
Our team at johnnypuetz Productions was fortunate to walk through moments seldom discussed across Allan’s studio, the streets of New York City, and in motion on a classic Norton bike.
Allan’s story is one of resilience and sensitivity. While he’s captured huge personalities like Andy Warhol, James Brown, Salvador Dali, it was a privilege to take a step back and speak to the iconic artist behind the lens, who continues to inspire future generations of creators.
A picture may be worth a thousand words, but experiencing the insight behind transformative art paves the way for a brighter tomorrow. In Back To The Present, Allan reminds us of our common humanity and greatness that can be unlocked across any chapter of our lives.
Pictures by Allan Tannenbaum
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