Courtesy Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Bruce Davidson, American (b. 1933). Time of Change (National Guardsmen protecting the Freedom Riders during their ride from Montgomery, Alabama to Jackson, Mississippi), 1961. Gelatin silver print (printed later), 8 7/8 × 12 15/16 inches. Gift of the Hall Family Foundation, 2014.18.5.
A new show at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art brings together the work of seven photographers taken between 1950 and 1970. Through the Lens: Visions of African American Experience, 1950–1970 shows the various ways these artists captured the social and political changes during those years.
The photos, all from the Nelson’s collection, are by Danny Lyon, Bruce Davidson, Charles Moore, James Karales, W. Eugene Smith, Gordon Parks and Roy DeCarava.
“Through the Lens will highlight the different intentions and contexts in which these photographs were made and seen,” the museum said.
“Photographers such as Bruce Davidson, Charles Moore and Danny Lyon made images that bore witness to the events of the civil rights movement with the intention of inspiring social change. Gordon Parks, W. Eugene Smith and James Karales used the photo-essay format to tell extended stories in visual terms, celebrating everyday heroes and highlighting the impact of integration and segregation in small communities. Gordon Parks and Roy DeCarava drew upon music and literary culture to create artistic and poetically expressive works.”
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