Horizontal color photographic detail of an indian hood ornament on a 1950 Pontiac Chieftan Delixe Coupe

Classic cars get their closeup in Concord Library photo exhibit  

February 15, 2024

The images hanging in the Concord Free Library are brightly colored, abstract, and yet familiar.  

In “The Art of the Automobile,” photographer Steven Edson has his lens focused lovingly on chrome lights, streamlined curves, and decorative details. The exhibit is on display at the library through the end of February.  

“Cars are a catalyst of people’s earliest memories: from trips to the store and around town to regional adventures or driving cross-country,” Edson wrote in his artist’s statement.  

Horizontal color photographic detail of plastic wrap on a 1935 Studebaker Commander

“Vehicles are used for everyday transportation helping people to get to work and school as well as for commercial uses. For some, modified and powerfully re-engineered cars provide the sheer thrill and enjoyment to skilled racing drivers to be the first to cross the finish line in the shortest amount of time.”  

Horizontal color photographic detail of the rear light fixture of a 1960 Chevrolet Impala

Edson started photographing in the early 1970s, mainly shooting black-and-white documentary street photography. After graduating from Massachusetts College of Art and Design with a BFA, he became a successful commercial photographer, living in the Boston area while being contracted to create iconic images for regional, national, and international editorial magazines, universities and corporate advertising, and annual reports.  

He currently exhibits his fine art photography in many national shows, and his images appear in private and corporate collections. 

Horizontal color photographic detail of a 1947 Cadillac Series 61 Club Coupe hood ornament.