Ralph Cowan, Chicago Photographer, Artist and Tribal Arts Collector. Born July 2, 1921, Marion, IN; died Feb. 8, 2006, Valparaiso, IN. A photographer extraordinaire, a deeply thoughtful man, had the soul of an anthropologist and the heart of an artist. Up to the very end he was seeing, producing. Neither his failing heart problems nor the Alzheimer grabbing for his brain diminished his vision. His last big museum show opened days before his final illness. Ralph Cowan’s integrity and vision helped mold Chicago’s vibrant commercial photography scene for over 50 years. His photographic expertise was called upon most often to accept the challenging assignments; he was known to be at the forefront of multiimagining photography. In addition to his commercial endeavors, Ralph always kept time for his photographic art pursuits. He photographed people from America’s Southwest Indian tribes, Africa, on through to his place of passion: Papua, New Guinea. Ralph Cowan’s photographs and tribal arts collections have been widely exhibited in many venues. He leaves behind photographs, exquisite proof of his honest vision to always look and seek the light. Among his admirers are his wife, partner and fellow artist Pat L. Cowan and three children, five grandchildren, relatives and friends. Donations can be made in Ralph Cowan’s name to the Reiner Community Center Art Program, 510 Union St., Valparaiso, IN 46383.
