Introduction
The life of Gordon Parks is one of the most inspiring stories in the history of photography. A self-taught photographer, Parks rose from poverty to become one of the most influential figures in the medium. His work, which often focused on the struggles of African Americans, was a window into the realities of the civil rights movement. Parks’ photography style was considered revolutionary in its time, combining elements of realism, symbolism, and surrealism. This article will explore Parks’ photography style and its influence on contemporary photography.
Early Life
Gordon Parks was born in Fort Scott, Kansas in 1912. He was the youngest of 15 children and grew up in poverty. As a young man, he worked a variety of jobs, including as a semi-professional musician, before becoming a photographer. In 1938, he moved to Chicago and began taking photographs with a camera given to him by a friend.
The Photography Career of Gordon Parks
Parks’ photography career began in 1940, when he was hired by the Farm Security Administration to document the lives of the rural poor. His work during this period was highly influential, showing the realities of poverty and discrimination in the United States. His images were often accompanied by his own written accounts of the people he photographed.
In 1942, Parks moved to Harlem, where he continued to work as a documentary photographer. He was hired by the Office of War Information to document the lives of African Americans in the military. His photographs from this period were widely published and helped to shape public opinion about the war effort.
The Photography Style of Gordon Parks
Parks developed a unique photography style during his career. His images often featured bold colors, dramatic lighting, and a sense of realism. He was also known for his use of symbolism, which he used to create powerful visual metaphors that spoke to the human condition. His compositions were often carefully constructed and included elements of surrealism.
Parks also explored the use of text in his images, often including letters, essays, or poetry in his photographs. This approach was often used to draw attention to the words of his subjects, creating a powerful narrative. His images often showed the struggles of the people he photographed, but also a sense of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
The Legacy of Gordon Parks
Parks’ photography had a lasting impact on the medium and the world. His images were widely published in magazines and newspapers and helped to shape public opinion about the civil rights movement. His work inspired a generation of photographers to explore their own perspectives on the world.
Parks’ influence can be seen in the work of contemporary photographers, who often incorporate elements of his style in their work. His use of symbolism and surrealism, as well as his exploration of text in images, are often used by today’s photographers. His work is a testament to the power of photography to capture moments of truth and to inspire change.
Conclusion
The photography style of Gordon Parks was revolutionary in its time and continues to be an influence in contemporary photography. His work was a powerful visual narrative of the human condition and a testament to the power of photography to inspire change. His photographs remain an enduring legacy of a time when the civil rights movement was gaining momentum.