Berenice Abbott (1898-1991) was an American photographer known for her significant contributions to 20th-century photography. She played a pivotal role in documenting urban life and architecture, particularly in New York City, and her work has had a lasting impact on the fields of documentary and architectural photography.Here are some key points about Berenice Abbott and her photography:1. **Early Life and Education**: Berenice Abbott was born in Springfield, Ohio, and showed an early interest in the arts. She initially pursued a degree in journalism at Ohio State University but later moved to New York City to study sculpture and drawing.2. **Man Ray's Studio**: In the 1920s, Abbott worked as an assistant to the renowned photographer Man Ray in Paris. This experience exposed her to the world of photography and its creative possibilities.3. **Changing New York**: Abbott's most famous project is "Changing New York," a series of photographs she began in the late 1920s and continued into the 1930s. This extensive documentation of New York City's architecture and urban life captured the city's transformation during a period of rapid growth and modernization.4. **Architectural Photography**: Abbott's architectural photographs are noted for their precision and clarity. She used large-format cameras and careful composition to convey the character and structure of buildings. Her work often emphasized the interplay of light and shadow in urban environments.5. **Science Photography**: Abbott also had an interest in scientific photography. She worked with scientists such as physicist Harold Edgerton and captured striking images of scientific experiments and phenomena.6. **Exhibitions and Publications**: Abbott's photographs have been exhibited in museums and galleries around the world. She published several books, including "Changing New York" and "Berenice Abbott: Photographs," which showcased her work.7. **Legacy**: Berenice Abbott's contribution to the documentation of urban life and architecture remains highly regarded. Her photographs of New York City are considered iconic and invaluable records of the city's history and transformation.8. **Later Life**: Abbott continued to work in photography and teach throughout her life. In her later years, she focused on scientific and educational projects, including her "Illustrated Guide to Biological Anthropology" (1971).Berenice Abbott's work is celebrated for its technical excellence, artistic vision, and its role in preserving the visual history of New York City during a period of immense change. Her photographs continue to be studied, exhibited, and appreciated for their enduring significance in the world of photography and urban history.
Measures 22 x 28.