Slack Water: Photographs of the Portland Waterfront

Photographer Mark Marchesi spent the summer of 1999 at a shellfish wholesaler on Portland’s waterfront, continuing a life-long interest in marine boating and fishing. He began taking pictures of this unique remnant of Maine’s industrial heritage, and in 2008 began a concerted series documenting the rough beauty of Portland’s wharves, facilities and their workers. Special zoning and respect for marine-derived economy have helped preserve the character of this part of the city, keeping development in check. Yet change is inevitable, and how the Portland community chooses to manage the relationship between the old and the new will be an ongoing conversation for years to come. Marchesi’s crisp photographs find color, beauty and vibrancy that’s still very much alive in this important area that goes unseen by so many of us.