George Daniel Nan Jr.

NAN, George Daniel Jr., In 1935 at the family farm on the outskirts of Detroit, Michigan, George Daniel Nan Jr. was born to his cherished Romanian immigrant parents, Ana and George. A capable and perceptive young man, George always managed to uplift those around him no matter the struggles of the era.

In 1956 while majoring in Photographic Science, George Daniel Nan earned his Associates degree in Applied Science from Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). Two years later, in 1958, he received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Photographic Illustration from the same university.

Courted by the Illinois Institute of Technology/Chicago Institute of Design, George was awarded their full Moholy-Nagy Assistantship from 1958 through 1960. He subsequently earned his Master of Science in Photography Degree in 1961. Nan's thesis, "Experimental Uses of Negative Positive Materials for Expressive Purposes," was an innovative departure from traditional approaches and engaged various experimental methods for producing color photographs. His advisors Harry Callahan and Aaron Siskin celebrated Nan's thesis and photographic aptitude.

From 1961 to 1963, George worked independently from his studio on 2nd Ave. in Detroit, Michigan. It was here that he met his wife, Nilsa. In 1963, he was invited to teach as an Associate Professor of Photography at RPI, the Richmond Professional Institute, which is now Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU).

George served as the Associate Professor of Photography and Chairman of the Department of Photography at VCU from 1969 until 1978. In 1978, he was promoted to Professor and Chairman of the Photography/Film Department, a post he upheld until 1991. Also in 1978, George was instrumental in launching the University's M.F.A. Degree Program.

George retired from his Professor Emeritus post in 1996, but he never retired his VCU parking pass, and continued to visit the photography department often to spend time with friends, faculty and students, old and new.

Throughout his photographic career, George lectured, juried, taught and inspired thousands. He was awarded numerous medals, honors and certificates of distinction for his participation in solo and group showings of his photographic works. His photographs can be found in the permanent collections of museums, universities, and private collections throughout the globe, including the Art Institute of Chicago, The Museum of Modern Art, New York and the International Museum of Photography, Rochester, New York.

George is survived by his wife and life partner of over 60 years, Nilsa; and his four children, Linnea, Adam, Sarah and Joshua Nan; as well as his grandchildren, Rigzin, Jonah and Oliver. He often remarked that his children were his greatest accomplishment, but he also leaves behind another accomplishment - a multigenerational ocean of students and friends who continue to express their gratitude to this inspiring and supportive mentor. George's legacy will live on in the hearts and images of many.

A memorial service for George will be forthcoming. To offer condolences, or explore charitable giving in George's memory please write to the Nan family at: GeorgeNanMemorial@gmail.com.