Detroit Experiences: Robert Frank Photographs, 1955 showcases more than 50 rare and many never-before-seen black-and-white photographs taken in Detroit by legendary artist Robert Frank.
According to Frank, 'The Americans' included “things that are there, anywhere, and everywhere…a town at night, a parking lot, the man who owns three cars and the man who owns none…the dream of grandeur, advertising, neon lights…gas tanks, post offices and backyards….” The exhibition includes nine Detroit images that were published in 'The Americans'. as well as, for the first time, an in-depth body of work representative of Frank’s Detroit, its working-class culture and automotive industry.
Frank was drawn to Detroit partly by a personal fascination with the automobile, but also saw its presence and effect on American culture as essential to his series. Frank was one of the few photographers allowed to take photographs at the famous Ford Motor Company River Rouge factory, where he was amazed to witness the transformation of raw materials into fully assembled cars. In a letter to his wife he wrote, “Ford is an absolutely fantastic place…this one is God’s factory and if there is such a thing – I am sure that the devil gave him a helping hand to build what is called Ford’s River Rouge Plant.” Frank spent two days taking pictures at the Ford factory, photographing workers on the assembly lines and manning machines by day, and following them as they ventured into the city at night.
Detroit Institute of Arts Website
Please click here for the Culturekiosque review of AMERICA IN BLACK AND WHITE: "THE AMERICANS" REVISITED at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.
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