James Fee; American photographer known for his images of abandoned factories and lonesome highways. Fee photographed images that he thought represented US cultural icons in decline, such as crumbling drive-in movie theaters and rusting, abandoned cars. Fee's approach to photography led museum curators to give his exhibitions such titles as "American Noir" and "The Weight of Time." His photographs are permaently housed in the San Diego Museum of Photographic Arts, the William Benton Museum of Art, Getty Museum and The Philadelphia Museum of Art. (http://www.seraphingallery.com/james-fee/) Born Dec. 7, 1949, Knoxville, Iowa Died Sept. 4, 2006, LA, CA (http://www.craigkrullgallery.com/Fee/biography.html) James Fee was a relatively unknown photographer when he met Robert Brinkmann, at a gallery where Fee had a show. Brinkmann, a German cinematographer with maybe a dozen Hollywood features under his belt, was captivated by Fee's images and told Fee he wanted to own some but couldn't afford them. They worked out a deal; Brinkman would buy Fee's photos at a steep discount before they were taken. The photographer would have money in advance to do his work. The collector would get pictures and everyone would benefit. The unusual collaboration endured for 15 years, until Fee's death from cancer in Sept 2006. (http://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/news-photo/james-fee-was-a-relatively-unknown-photographer-when-he-met-news-photo/564067423#james-fee-was-a-relatively-unknown-photographer-when-he-met-robert-picture-id564067423) Brinkmann notes that Fee died of liver cancer and says that although he has no proof, "I truly believe he died because of his darkroom work. He didn't use tongs; he was making huge prints and wading in solvent. He would spend days and nights in there, and when I would see him after one of those sessions, you could smell the chemicals. He gave not just all his money and... (http://articles.latimes.com/2007/mar/11/entertainment/ca-brinkmann11/2) undefined

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