Dorothea Lange (1895-1965) American
Lange was best known for her documentary photography and photojournalism. She worked for the Resettlement Administration, a government agency formed during the Depression to help farmers. She later went on to find success in portrait photography. Lange was committed to fighting for social justice through her work, including documenting the treatment of Japanese American internment.
“Migrant Mother”
While the children are also present in the photograph, the focus is clearly on the mother. The anxiety in her expression was felt by many others across the country, contributing to the photograph’s popularity and eventual recognizability.
This photo is of elementary schoolers in San Francisco pledging allegiance to the flag. Context is important here; this is before the government began the internment of Japanese Americans. It’s an odd feeling to see this photograph knowing what happens next in the near future.
Migratory field worker’s home and “Shaving on the Road”
These two photographs document the daily life of migrant workers. Looking at these images makes me realize how important this work is because it ensures that the lesser-known parts of history are not forgotten over time.
“Young cotton picker”
The child in the picture is clearly very young. This photograph is a good representation of how tragedy does not discriminate, even when it comes to children.
Annie Leibovitz (1949-) American
Leibovitz is well-known for her portraits, particularly ones of celebrities. One of her most famous works is the one of John Lennon and Yoko Ono. She also took the Obama family portrait. She was recently named IKEA’s artist in residence.
Imogen Cunningham (1883-1976) American
Cunningham was well known for her botanical, nude, and industrial landscape photography. She was a part of Group f/64, a group of photographers based in San Francisco. A lot of her photography was experimental, including double exposure and montage.
Anne Geddes (1956-) Australian
Geddes is known for her photographs of infants and babies, most of which are elaborately set. Her philanthropic trust raises awareness of child abuse, and she has also worked with March of Dimes, a nonprofit that works to improve the health of mothers and young children.
Gerda Taro (1910-1937) German Jewish
Taro was a war photojournalist during the Spanish Civil war. After the Nazi’s rise to power, she was arrested for her Leftist propaganda against the Socialists. Her work has been described as “vicarious”, offering insight into wartimes for the common spectator.
