Michelle Dunn (Deputy Director, Aperture Foundation) spoke before the gathered crowd at the Rubin Museum of Art after a reception and book signing:

"Michael Hoffman, longtime director of Aperture Foundation, was a fan of the Rubin collection and a good friend of Donald Rubin. …Many collaborations were discussed over the years before this museum came into existence.  Thanks to Continental Airlines, for subsidizing Shi De Chao’s airfare, and to Justin Guariglia, for his boundless energy in bringing the work of the Shaolin Temple to a wider audience through his photographs.

Justin Guariglia, in black, speaks before the crowd at the Rubin Museum of Art on October 17, 2007.  Shaolin master Shi De Chao stands to Justin's right.
 

"Justin lived in Asia for over a decade, and now lives in New York City.  He’s a contributing editor to National Geographic Traveler magazine, and a contributor to Smithsonian magazine.  Aperture is very pleased to publish this first book of his work."





Shi De Chao autographs copies of Justin's book (Justin at Shi De Chao's right).  Rubin Museum of Art, October 17, 2007.