John Randolph Pepper, a multifaceted individual with a passion for both photography and theatre direction, came into the world in 1958 in the eternal city of Rome, Italy. His father, Curtis Bill Pepper, was a renowned war correspondent who served as the head of the Rome bureau for the prestigious Newsweek magazine. Pepper's mother, Beverly Pepper, was a talented sculptor who brought a touch of artistic flair to their household.
Pepper has a sister, the accomplished poet Jorie Graham, with whom he shared a childhood in Rome. Growing up in the city, Pepper was surrounded by the rich history, architecture, and culture that would later influence his work as a photographer and theatre director.
Pepper's academic journey began at Princeton University, where he delved into the fascinating realm of History of Art, cultivating a profound understanding of the subject. During his time at the esteemed institution, he was an integral part of the pioneering '185 Nassau Street Painting Program', an initiative that fostered creativity and artistic expression among its participants. This exposure had a profound impact on Pepper's artistic development, and in 1975, he was awarded the prestigious Whitney Painting Fellowship, a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication to his craft.
Pepper embarked on a journey in the realm of photography, commencing his career as an apprentice to the esteemed Ugo Mulas, a master of street photography, who skillfully imparted his knowledge and expertise to the young protégé. For three decades, Pepper's creative endeavors spanned multiple mediums, concurrently directing theatrical and cinematic productions, while simultaneously honing his photographic skills.
As his career progressed, Pepper's artistic expression led him to curate a show, 'Rome: 1969 – An Hommage to Italian Neo-Realist Cinema', which served as a nostalgic tribute to the cinematic heritage of his native Italy. This exhibition marked a significant milestone in his life, as it prompted his return to his homeland, where he collaborated with Lanterna Magica Edizioni to publish a book titled 'Sans Papier' in 2011, a testament to his enduring passion for photography and storytelling.
The Manège Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia, a renowned cultural institution, hosted an exhibition featuring the innovative and groundbreaking work of Pepper in the year 2012. This remarkable display of artistic expression was later immortalized in the form of a book titled 'Evaporations', expertly curated and published by the esteemed Istituto Superiore Per la Storia della Fotografia in 2014. This publication, a testament to the enduring power of art, was preceded by a captivating preview at the Officina delle Zattere, a prestigious cultural hub located in the enchanting city of Venice, Italy.
In the year 2015, a collaborative endeavour between the Italian Institute of Culture and the Russia Federation Ministry of Culture came to fruition, resulting in a traveling exhibition that made its debut at the esteemed Rosphoto Photography Museum situated in the historic city of Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Meanwhile, the celebrated photographer, Pepper, also had the privilege of having a retrospective exhibit showcased at the prestigious Showcase Gallery located in the vibrant city of Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
A remarkable cultural endeavour was undertaken in 2015 and 2016, as the Italian Institute of Culture and the United States Mission in Russia collaborated to present a travelling exhibition of Evaporations throughout the vast and storied region of Siberia, Russia.
This extraordinary exhibition made its way to a diverse array of cities, including the vibrant port city of Vladivostok, the picturesque Irkutsk, the academic hub of Novosibirsk, the bustling commercial centre of Omsk, the industrial powerhouse of Yekaterinburg, the scenic Samara, and, of course, the storied capital city of Moscow.
Each of these cities played host to the Evaporations exhibition, providing a unique and captivating experience for the local communities.
In the year 2016 and 2017, a captivating art exhibit titled "Pepper's Evaporations / Испарения" made its way to the esteemed Fondazione Terzo Pilastro e Mediterraneo's Museo Palazzo Cipolla in Rome, Italy. This exceptional display showcased a total of 52 remarkable works of art, boasting a diverse range of sizes, from the modest 120 x 160cm to the impressive 3m x 5m.
