
Over 60 years ago, Robert Frank photographed with an outsider’s eye the Americans as he traveled from coast to coast, over a year. The result is his seminal book. It puts a mirror to the nation at the time, which offended some viewers as the photographs were too edgy for most. Indeed, it was not published in the USA until a year after its publication in France.
Robert Frank, The Americans
About 10 days ago, The New York Times had an extensive article, a kind of retrospective on Robert Frank, The Man Who Saw America. It is insightful and informative as it is an enjoyable read. If you do not subscribe to The New York Times, you should still be able to read it as any visitor is given the chance to read several articles before a login is required.
There is much written on The Americans and deservedly so. He influenced many photographers, like Joel Meyerowitz, and his photography defined what was to follow in the footsteps of Frank. Meyerowitz says that he saw Frank working for a magazine assignment and at that moment he decided to become a photographer like Frank, quitting his art director position.
Traveling with two cameras and a whole bunch of film, Frank created a scalpel-sharp visual analysis in a very fresh style. Juxtapositions, tilted horizons, sharp angles, social contrasts were all part of and in his visual story and vocabulary of street photography. It is a very compelling collection of photographs, a must-see and read for any photographer interested in studying his vision as well as his style of photography. While you are at it, you may also search for Walker Evans’ American Photographs which preceded Frank’s work.
The video commentary by Sarah Greenough on the book is also well worth the time. She also has a large book, Looking In, which is an expanded view of The Americans. Very enjoyable indeed!
Binnaz Melin
I have learned a lot about Robert Frank . Thank you for putting the article and your additional comments Cemal. Very much appreciated. .