Several prominent photographers in the late 1800s to 1960s used their art to document and raise awareness about social issues in America. Notable figures include Jacob Riis, Mathew Brady, Dorothea Lange, Walker Evans, and Gordon Parks, among others. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Here's a more detailed look at some of these photographers and their work: [2]
- Jacob Riis (1849-1914): A Danish immigrant who became a pioneer in using photography for social reform, Riis documented the harsh living conditions of the urban poor in New York City, particularly on the Lower East Side. His book, "How the Other Half Lives," brought widespread attention to these issues, helping to push for slum housing reforms. [2, 6, 7, 8, 9]
- Dorothea Lange (1895-1965): Lange became famous for her powerful images of rural poverty and the struggles of migrant workers during the Great Depression, especially her iconic "Migrant Mother" photograph. Her work with the Farm Security Administration helped document the economic hardship of the era. [3, 10, 11]
- Walker Evans (1903-1971): Evans worked alongside Lange on the Farm Security Administration project, documenting the lives of rural Americans during the Depression. His photographs captured the impact of the Depression on small towns and communities. [11, 11, 12]
- Gordon Parks (1902-1990): Parks was a prolific photographer, filmmaker, and author who focused on social issues, particularly the struggles of African Americans during the Civil Rights Movement and the Great Depression. His work for Life Magazine showcased the experiences of marginalized communities. [13, 14]
[1] XX
[2] https://www.icp.org/browse/archive/constituents/jacob-riis
[3] XX
[4] https://www.magnumphotos.com/newsroom/magnum-photographers-the-civil-rights-movement/
[5] https://www.moma.org/documents/moma_catalogue_238_300145773.pdf
[6] EHS Britannica Academic
[7] https://meridian.allenpress.com/american-archivist/article-pdf/73/1/250/2055009/aarc_73_1_f0m334052804uh1h.pdf
[8] https://www.moma.org/documents/moma_catalogue_238_300145773.pdf
[9] http://photography-now.com/exhibition/128966
[10] https://www.rmcad.edu/blog/photography-pioneers-21-famous-photographers-who-redefined-the-medium/
[11] https://magazine.artland.com/top-10-american-photographers/
[12] https://www.scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk/objects-and-stories/history-photography
[13] https://reyherphoto.com/time-life-photojournalists-iconic-photos/
[14] https://www.theschoolofphotography.com/blog/famous-portrait-photographers