When I was a boy, I couldn't wait for my father to bring home the Sunday New York Times. The minute he would drop the papers on the kitchen table, I'd grab the Arts & Leisure section and begin hunting for Nina. You see, every Sunday, readers would be graced with one of Al Hirschfeld's caricatures of some Broadway star. To pay homage to his daughter, he would also hide the name "NINA" within the drawing. He always tipped you off as to how many NINAS one would find because after his signature was always that magic number. Even as an adult, I would instinctly go right to the Arts & Leisure section of the Times and begin my Nina hunt.
Mr. Hirschfeld passed away in New York City on January 20, 2003 at the age of 99 but not before immortalizing hundreds of performers in his drawings. He never retired and was working on a private commission at the time of his death. The theater world, as well as many others, will miss him greatly.
Mr. Hirschfeld was my inspiration as a child. It was because of him I drew and it is because of him, that at the age of 40, I still want to draw and pursue a graphic artist career. I know I will miss seeing his pieces in the Times but he was always be a part of me.
On June 23, 2003, the Martin Beck Theatre was renamed The Al Hirschfeld Theatre in his honor.
I hope you enjoy some of his works that I've selected .
If you click on his name above, it will bring you to his gallery. |
