Robert Frank (1924–2019) was a Swiss-American photographer and filmmaker, best known for his groundbreaking book "The Americans." Born on November 9, 1924, in Zurich, Switzerland, Frank became one of the most influential figures in documentary photography. Here are some key points about Robert Frank:1. **Early Life:** Robert Frank grew up in Switzerland and apprenticed with several photographers in Zurich. In 1947, he emigrated to the United States, where he worked as a fashion photographer for various magazines.2. **"The Americans":** Frank's most famous work is the photography book "The Americans," published in 1958. The book is a collection of black-and-white photographs that provide a critical and nuanced portrayal of American society in the 1950s. The images depict a wide range of subjects, from urban life to racial tensions and economic disparities.3. **Photographic Style:** Frank's photographic style was marked by his use of unconventional compositions, candid shots, and a focus on capturing the everyday experiences of people. His work deviated from the more polished and optimistic portrayal of America prevalent in mainstream photography at the time.4. **Influence on Photography:** "The Americans" had a profound impact on documentary photography and is considered a landmark in the history of the medium. Frank's approach influenced subsequent generations of photographers, and his work is often associated with the development of street photography.5. **Film Work:** In addition to his photography, Frank directed and produced several films. His best-known film is "Pull My Daisy" (1959), a short film co-directed with Alfred Leslie, featuring characters associated with the Beat Generation, including Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg.6. **Later Career:** After the success of "The Americans," Frank continued to work on various photographic projects and films. His later work maintained a personal and introspective quality, exploring themes such as loss, memory, and the passage of time.7. **Personal Tragedies:** Frank experienced personal tragedies, including the death of his daughter Andrea in a plane crash in 1974 and the death of his son Pablo in 1994. These events had a profound impact on his life and work.8. **Recognition and Awards:** Robert Frank received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to photography, including the Hasselblad Foundation International Award in Photography in 1996.9. **Death:** Robert Frank passed away on September 9, 2019, in Nova Scotia, Canada, at the age of 94.Robert Frank's work continues to be celebrated for its raw and unflinching portrayal of American society. His contributions to photography and his influence on the documentary tradition are widely acknowledged, and "The Americans" remains a seminal work in the history of photography.
Printed circa 1980s.
Measures 7.5 x 5.