Gordon Parks (Photofile)

From the Back Cover Gordon Parks (1912-2006) was a pioneering figure in 20th-century photography. The first African-American photographer to join the Farm Security Administration (FSA) and to become a staff photographer for Life magazine, he was also a writer, film director and composer. While best known for documenting issues such as poverty, race relations and civil rights, Parks was remarkably versatile, turning his gift for visual narrative to subjects as diverse as news reporting, fashion, art and sports. He also captured prominent figures of his era, such as Malcolm X and Marilyn Monroe, in a series of memorable portraits. Working in the US and around the world, he was driven by a commitment to social justice: "The common search for a better world is deeper than color or blood." Product Description Gordon Parks (1912–2006) was a pioneering figure in 20th-century photography. As well as being the first African-American photographer to join the Farm Security Administration (FSA) and to become a staff photographer for Life magazine, he was also a writer, film director and composer. Although best known for documenting issues such as poverty, race relations and civil rights, he was remarkably versatile, turning his gift for visual narrative to subjects as diverse as news coverage, fashion, art and sport. He also captured prominent figures of his era, from Malcolm X to Marilyn Monroe, in a series of memorable portraits. Working in the US and around the world, he was driven by a commitment to social justice: ‘The common search for a better life and a better world is deeper than colour or blood.' Review [A] visually rich collection of work by one of history's most eloquent and successful African American artists. A recent addition to Thames & Hudson's award-winning Photofile Series of compact, affordable, but lavishly reproduced monographs, this newly introduced collection is an astonishing achievement.-- "Rangefinder" Explores a major American photographer crossing cultural, political and social divides with sophistication, sensitivity and style.-- "TIME LightBox" Book Description A compact survey of the work of Gordon Parks, the American photographer best known for documenting issues such as poverty, race relations and civil rights About the Author Paul Roth is senior curator and director, photography and media arts, at the Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington DC.