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Captured Souls: Dorothea Lange's Poignant Portraits of a Vanishing America

"Dorothea Lange: Capturing Humanity in the Lens of Transition"

An enlightening exhibition at the National Gallery of Art in Washington delves into the profound work of the legendary photographer Dorothea Lange, whose lens immortalized some of the most compelling images of American poverty, hardship, and resilience in the 20th century. Spanning a remarkable 50-year career, Lange's photographic legacy encompasses iconic snapshots that resonate with the struggles and triumphs of a bygone America.

From the haunting gaze of "White Angel, Breadline" to the emotionally charged portrayals of Japanese Americans during World War II, Lange's lens epitomizes the profound humanity of individuals entangled in circumstances beyond their control. The exhibition, titled "Dorothea Lange: Seeing People," unfolds the layers of Lange's storytelling through a curated selection of her most impactful works.

Lange's journey into documentary photography was spurred by the Great Depression, a pivotal moment when she witnessed the plight of those in need on the streets of San Francisco. It was this experience that propelled her to use photography as a tool for social change, firmly believing in its power to alter perceptions and ignite empathy.

Philip Brookman, curator of the exhibition, notes that Lange's greatness as a photographer emanated from her "sense of empathy and ability to connect with people." This connection is palpable in her portraits, each frame telling a poignant story of the human experience.

The exhibition distinguishes itself by delving into Lange's early training as a studio portrait photographer, shedding light on the profound impact it had on her later social documentary works. One standout piece from her early repertoire is the captivating "Untitled (La Estrellita, 'Spanish' Dancer), San Francisco, California, 1919." In this portrait of Estrellita, an internationally renowned vaudeville dancer turned businesswoman, Lange skillfully combines the traditional pictorial style of the era with experimental composition. Placing the subject off-center within the frame, Lange captures not just the external appearance but also the essence of a woman in transition—a portrayal that transcends the superficial image of a Spanish dancer to reveal the resilience and transformation within.

As the exhibition unfolds, it invites viewers to witness not only the evolution of Dorothea Lange as a photographer but also the profound transformations of the individuals she so brilliantly captured through her lens. Each photograph becomes a testament to Lange's conviction that images have the power to shape minds and, ultimately, change the course of history.

"Dorothea Lange's Lens: Crafting Narratives Through Intimate Portraits"

Dorothea Lange's artistic journey unfolds through the lens of her camera, capturing the essence of humanity with each click. In the poignant image "Hopi Man, Arizona, 1923, printed 1926," Lange embarked on a journey beyond her studio, a pivotal moment marked by experimentation and a departure from the confines of traditional portraiture. Joining her then-husband, the renowned painter Maynard Dixon, Lange traversed the American West, creating images that are, in the words of curator Philip Brookman, "much more direct than her studio images."

"Hopi Man" stands as a testament to Lange's evolving approach to portraiture. The tightly cropped image, focusing intensely on the subject's face, transforms into a topographic mapping of experience rather than a conventional portrait. This shift in perspective foreshadows Lange's exploration of the raw and unfiltered narratives embedded in the faces she captured.

In "Native American Girl, Taos, New Mexico, 1931," Lange's lens engages with a young subject during a family trip. As Brookman notes, Lange was in the midst of experimenting with different ways to connect with people and create images that delved into diverse cultures. The photograph reflects a direct connection between Lange and the girl, conveying a sense of understanding and comfort. It serves as a transitional piece, showcasing Lange's progression from studio photography to a more documentary form, marking a pivotal moment in her artistic evolution.

Contrary to common belief, Lange's iconic "White Angel Breadline, San Francisco, California, 1933" was not her inaugural foray into documentary photography. According to Brookman, earlier experiments laid the groundwork for her comprehensive understanding of documentary practice. This particular image, a stark portrayal of poverty in San Francisco, is significant for the conscious decision Lange made to take her camera out of the studio and onto the streets. "White Angel Breadline" emerges as a deliberate and impactful statement, a visual narrative that underscores Lange's commitment to documenting the socio-economic struggles unfolding before her eyes.

As the exhibition unfolds, these selected works provide glimpses into the transformative phases of Dorothea Lange's career. Each photograph becomes a window into her exploration of portraiture, a testament to her evolving mastery of the art form, and a tribute to the individuals whose stories she immortalized through her lens.

"Dorothea Lange's Narrative Alchemy: Unraveling the Stories Behind the Lens"

In the haunting simplicity of her photography, Dorothea Lange crafted narratives that transcended mere images, each frame telling a story etched in the annals of American history. Among her earliest captures was an iconic photograph taken at the White Angel Jungle, a soup kitchen on the waterfront, marking a profound beginning to Lange's exploration of the human condition amidst the Great Depression. Philip Brookman, curator of the exhibition, notes that its enduring power lies in its simplicity, a quality that has made it an indelible part of Lange's iconic repertoire.

"Demonstration, San Francisco, 1934," taken in the throes of economic hardship, reveals Lange's evolving approach. Here, she strategically used the setting to provide additional layers of information, incorporating words within the frame. Brookman highlights how Lange's empathy and respect for the subjects manifested in her choice of a lower angle, bestowing a sense of stature upon those enduring the hardships of the era. This intentional perspective, as Brookman emphasizes, is a testament to Lange's commitment to capturing the essence of her subjects without condescension.

The enigmatic "Human Erosion in California (Migrant Mother), 1936," an image etched into the collective consciousness, conceals a tale beyond its apparent narrative. Part of a series taken in a Pea Picker's camp during Lange's tenure with the Federal Resettlement Administration, the photograph became a symbol of the era's plight. While Lange's documentation led to immediate aid, posthumous revelations about the subject's identity added complexity to the image. The woman, a full-blood Cherokee from Oklahoma, defied the migrant worker narrative, underlining the intricate relationship between reality and representation in Lange's work.

In "On the Plains a Hat is More than a Covering, 1938," Lange's lens once again captures the essence of a moment, illustrating the interplay between individuals and their surroundings. Printed in 1965, this image exemplifies Lange's ability to freeze moments in time, transcending the immediate context to become timeless reflections on the human experience.

As the exhibition unfolds, viewers are invited to peel back the layers of Lange's storytelling, recognizing that behind each iconic image lies a nuanced narrative—a testament to the photographer's keen eye, empathy, and the indomitable power of a photograph to shape perceptions and, as demonstrated in the case of "Migrant Mother," affect tangible change.

"Dorothea Lange's Unseen Faces: Innovations in Portraiture and Social Conscience"

Dorothea Lange, ever the innovator in the realm of portraiture, leaves an indelible mark with "On the Plains a Hat is More than a Covering, 1938," a testament to her ability to capture the essence of character beyond the traditional confines of facial features and surroundings. Philip Brookman, curator of the exhibition, sees it as a groundbreaking innovation in portraiture. "I can see it as a portrait of a man but it doesn't show his face, it doesn't show his environment. It's about the character of the man, not just what he looks like." Lange's satisfaction with the image, choosing it over more traditional portraits of the same man, underscores the power of capturing the spirit over mere appearance.

The lens then shifts to a poignant moment in history with "Children of the Weill Public School, San Francisco, California, April 1942, printed c 1965." Tasked by the War Relocation Authority to document the forced relocation of Japanese Americans during World War II, Lange's inner conflict with the policy is evident. "I think Lange didn't agree with the policy. She agreed to work on the project so she could have access to show what was happening," notes Brookman. The photograph of a Japanese-American girl pledging allegiance to the U.S. flag, innocent yet deemed a threat, stands as one of Lange's most important works, capturing the tragic paradox of wartime injustice.

In "Family Portrait, 1956," part of an unpublished project for Life Magazine, Lange turns her lens toward the intentional flooding of a Northern California town to make way for a dam. Brookman reflects on the poignant image taken in an abandoned house, portraying the irreplaceable loss of memories when an entire town succumbs to progress. It embodies Lange's early exploration of environmental issues and the human cost of post-war expansion in California.

Finally, the lens extends to "Korean Child, 1958," where Lange's humanitarian gaze transcends borders. In this poignant image, taken during her travels, Lange captures the innocence and vulnerability of a child, offering a glimpse into the universal narrative of shared humanity.

As the exhibition unfolds, viewers are invited to explore the intricacies of Lange's storytelling, where innovation in portraiture meets an unwavering commitment to social conscience. Each photograph serves as a window into both the individual stories captured and the broader tapestry of social change, echoing Lange's belief in the power of images to shape perceptions and stir collective empathy.

"Dorothea Lange's Universal Gaze: Capturing the Innocence of a Post-War World"

Dorothea Lange's lens transcends time and borders in her emotive image of a young child in South Korea, captured five years after the tumultuous end of the Korean War. Amidst the harsh realities of extreme poverty, Lange's photograph becomes a poignant exploration of innocence amid the scars of conflict.

Philip Brookman, curator of the exhibition, unveils the backstory behind this striking image, taken in a South Korean classroom. The setting reveals a lively group of children, with one boy standing out—his eyes closed, a serene countenance amidst the chaos. Lange's deliberate focus on this child results in a series of closely cropped images, each step closer unveiling the universality of the boy's expression.

"The closer she gets to his face, where you just see his features, the more it becomes a universal image," remarks Brookman. In this child's face, Lange captures not just a moment in post-war South Korea but a timeless reflection on the innocence that persists even in the midst of global turmoil. The image becomes a testament to the enduring impact of war on the youngest members of society and a plea for empathy and understanding.

"To me, it is a picture about the innocence of children in a world at war," notes Brookman, emphasizing the relevance of Lange's images to the contemporary world. In a society grappling with its own challenges, Lange's work serves as a mirror, urging viewers to reflect on the universal themes of humanity and the enduring resilience of innocence.

"Dorothea Lange: Seeing People" at the National Gallery of Art in Washington offers an opportunity to immerse oneself in the profound narratives captured by Lange's lens. As the exhibition continues until March 31, 2024, it invites visitors to explore the timeless stories etched in each photograph, stories that resonate across generations and remain ever-relevant in our evolving world.

In conclusion, "Dorothea Lange: Seeing People" at the National Gallery of Art in Washington unfolds as a captivating journey through the lens of a visionary photographer. Lange's ability to capture the essence of humanity, from the stark realities of the Great Depression to the post-war innocence in South Korea, underscores her enduring relevance and the timeless power of her images.

Philip Brookman, the curator, guides us through Lange's transformative approach to portraiture, her innovation in storytelling, and her unwavering commitment to social conscience. Each photograph becomes a window into a broader narrative, shedding light on the intricacies of the human experience and the societal challenges faced during Lange's prolific career.

As we navigate Lange's exploration of poverty, resilience, and innocence, we are reminded that her work extends beyond mere documentation—it serves as a call to empathy and a reflection on the universality of human emotions. The exhibition not only commemorates Lange's legacy but also prompts viewers to consider the relevance of her narratives in our contemporary context.

In our world marked by ongoing struggles and complexities, Lange's images stand as a testament to the enduring power of photography to shape perceptions and inspire change. "Dorothea Lange: Seeing People" invites us to reflect on the profound stories etched in each frame, fostering a deeper understanding of the human condition and encouraging us to contemplate our shared journey through time. As the exhibition continues until March 31, 2024, it extends an invitation to all to engage with the remarkable legacy of one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century.