Multi-disciplined photographer, artist, and maritime historian Byron Huart, formerly a Montclair resident, revisits his hometown with a brand-new, temporary exhibit now on view in Montclair Public Library’s Gallery.
Visitors will see Huart’s maritime photography and artwork, including cityscapes, seascapes, and sunset scenes. His maritime photography tells the story of the Port of New York’s cruise shipping boom before the 2020 pandemic,
the shutdown of the industry during the COVID 19 pandemic, and the return of cruise ships in 2021-22. Huart also will be showcasing select pieces of artwork that he has been producing from 2016-present.
The show intends to dispense awe and reflection to the observer through photography and artwork that encapsulate the spirit of the Port Of New York and illustrate the New York City area’s industrial and maritime heritage. “This show tells a story of before, after, and the present,” explained Huart. “I’m showcasing new additions to the collection, such as photographs taken during the pandemic and the present, as well as artwork I have created more recently, so this will be a unique selection and comprehensive overview of my best works.”
Byron Huart is a NYC-based photographer, artist, and maritime historian who captures his passion in pictures and draws inspiration from the rich heritage of the Port Of New York, where he lives. His portfolio focuses on the industry of the region, but also touches on cultural aspects of the area, such as popular pastimes, changing trends in the cruise industry, and unique views that go unnoticed. With beauty and splendor, Huart’s photographs capture the majestic presence of ships, their shapes and structures, and the nature around them.
For the past 10 years, Huart has spearheaded New York City and East Coast area travel events coverage, produced over 200 video features and thousands of photographs, and authored numerous articles featured in publications such as Maritime Matters and Cruise Business Review. He also created and curated a collection of over 5,000 photographs that has been exhibited as “City of Ships” in NYC area galleries, museums, and libraries.
As a member of the independent press corps, Huart has reported on celebrity, comic book, and pop culture events in the New York City and Philadelphia areas since 2007. With his unique expertise and passion for ships, Huart has created his own niche as the sole African-American maritime historian from the millennial generation.
“This is important because I represent the future, and I want to inspire more young people to go out there and do what I do,” Huart said. “People take a look at me and are surprised that a person like me is interested in this, so I’m very happy that I’ve broken a lot of boundaries. The mission I’ve embarked on is bigger than going out there and just taking photos of ships: it’s documenting history that no one else is willing to go out and do.”
The exhibition is on view until January 31, 2023, and the community is invited to meet the artist and view his artwork at a Closing Reception on Saturday, January 28 from 2 to 4 PM at the Montclair Public Library Gallery.
Maritime Photo & Art Exhibit, The Return Of Byron Huart: Before, After, And Present
On View Now Through January 31, 2023, Closing Reception January 28, 2023, 2–4 PM
Montclair Public Library’s Gallery, At 50 South Fullerton Avenue, Montclair, NJ 07042