I.M. Pei, Leica M6 TTL, 35mm summicron, Agfa APX © Doug Kim

This was taken a few years ago when I was wandering in the National Gallery’s East Wing in Washington, DC.

In front of a huge Mark Rothko was someone standing close to the painting, maybe inches away, his hands clasped behind his back. For some reason, I knew it was I.M. Pei, inside one of his best (and one of his favorite) creations, admiring a wall decoration on a wall he designed. I rushed up behind him to take a photo of this diminutive giant in front of this massive Rothko. I was too slow with my Leica (bastards!), and missed the shot.

I managed to take this photo soon after but I can still perfectly recall the image of him in front of that ten foot painting.

Bastards bastards bastards.