In The Presence of Heroes | An exhibition of photography from the archive of David Scheinbaum
Children line the parade route to the 79th Infantry Memorial Monument ceremony in La Haye du-Puits, 1994, printed 2023 Gelatin silver print
On the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the New Mexico Military Museum presents a stunning compendium of photographs that highlight the importance of the history-changing event.
Written By Max Wiener
It’s nearly impossible to think of where our world would be without D-Day. The possibilities are harrowing, their details macabre on a bone-chilling level. It is a day that will forever live in infamy, and the heroes that won the battle for the Allied Forces will remain on an echelon of greatness that no others will ever touch. Their sacrifices for their countries were one of the most, if not the most, important contributions to the 20th century and beyond.
At the New Mexico Military Museum, In The Presence of Heroes is a stunning exhibition from the archive of David Scheinbaum, gifted to the museum three years ago. These are his personal photographs, taken on the 50th anniversary of D-Day in the French town of La Haye-du-Puits, a small village that was liberated by his father’s platoon during the war. Thirty years later, on its 80th anniversary, the images still have the same humbling feeling, a representation of each soldier’s true heroism. Ordinary men became mythic figures of sorts, and these images honor their status and contributions in a tremendous way. More so, Scheinbaum’s personal angle adds a prevalent sweetness to the series’ entirety; he’s clearly a proud son. The opening reception was on June 6, the battle’s anniversary, and the gallery talk was staged on June 8, giving patrons a unique access to the photographs and their stories like never before.
A D-Day survivor takes a lone walk on the beach. Many Soldiers took solitary strolls to recall the battle, perhaps collect a little sand. It was a memento of their return and their good fortune to have survived, and to think of those who didn’t, Omaha Beach, 1994, printed 2024 Archival inkjet print
Scheinbaum does a fantastic job highlighting the atmosphere of the anniversary date, a somber yet celebratory occasion. The heroes — those who risked their lives on the beaches — are treated like celebrities, their status only elevated by the camera. One very endearing image in particular is the one in which children are lining up on the parade route, with one child’s eyes glued to the procession of soldiers walking by. In his gaze we see true, genuine wonder, a feeling of pride watching these men walk by. The American flag clutched in hand, he watches their every move, their presence clearly flooring him. Even through the image we feel moved, joining this young man in his emotions. Scheinbaum effortlessly transports us not just physically, but emotionally, his skill behind the camera truly magnificent. His mastery with the lens is especially apparent in “Solitary Man on Shore,” a truly harrowing image of perspective and humility. An unidentified man stands on the beach where less than 100 years prior ensued one of the bloodiest conflicts in human history. Now, its tranquility is almost eerie. Staring at it, we join him in solidarity, wondering how such brutality is possible by human beings.
After receiving roses from children, Smiley and Lou place roses at the monument in La Haye du-Puits, 1994, printed 2023 Gelatin silver print
The true centerpiece of In The Presence of Heroes is Scheinbaum’s dad, Louis, who is captured proudly by his son in his finest photo, “My Dad”. Showing nothing but the heroic gaze of his father, Scheinbaum shows us that humans are not only capable of conflict, but of solving it, too. In an age where tensions are extremely palpable, let us look to images like these to ensure that nothing like D-Day ever happens again.
David’s father, Louis Scheinbaum, La Haye-du-Puits. He was a technician 4th grade sergeant during the war, 1994, printed 2024 Archival inkjet print
