Paul Strand

Paul Strand, born on October 16, 1890, in New York City, was an influential American photographer whose work helped establish photography as a modern art form. His early works, including views of city life and nature, were pivotal in shaping the future direction of photography. Strand was a founding figure of the art photography movement, influencing generations of photographers.

In 1915, Paul Strand's photographs were featured in a prominent exhibition at Alfred Stieglitz's gallery, 291, in New York. Stieglitz, a major influence on Strand, was known for championing photography as a form of fine art. This exhibition showcased Strand's pioneering work in 'straight photography', where the focus shifted from soft-focus pictorialism to sharp, unmanipulated images.

In 1917, Paul Strand's work was prominently published in the final two issues of Camera Work, a quarterly photographic publication by Alfred Stieglitz. The photographs exhibited a new style known as 'straight photography'. This marked a significant point in Strand's career, showcasing images that emphasized clarity, abstraction, and everyday scenes, breaking away from the earlier pictorial style.

In 1920, Paul Strand co-created the silent film 'Manhatta' with painter Charles Sheeler. The film is considered the first American avant-garde film, depicting a day in the life of New York City. Its innovative use of imagery and editing techniques signaled the emergence of film as a significant medium of artistic expression, illustrating the powerful visual storytelling capabilities shared between cinema and photography.

In 1934, Paul Strand visited Mexico and collaborated with prominent Mexican muralists, including David Alfaro Siqueiros. Strand’s time in Mexico was pivotal as it influenced his work significantly, shifting his focus towards social themes and documentary photography. He captured the profound social and political atmosphere of Mexico, deeply influencing his later works, including books such as 'The Mexican Portfolio'.

'Time in New England', published in 1940, was a groundbreaking book where Paul Strand combined photography and history. Working with writer Nancy Newhall, Strand captured emotionally rich images across New England, weaving them with historical texts. This work expanded the possibilities of photographic books, influencing the development of the photo book as an art form by effectively using the narrative power of imagery.

In 1950, Paul Strand moved permanently to France amidst the increasing anti-communist sentiment in the United States. This relocation marked a new phase in his photographic journey, allowing him to explore European landscapes and cultures. While in France, he produced some of his most celebrated works, such as 'La France de Profil', which evidenced his deepening interest in rural communities and the human condition.

In 1962, Paul Strand published 'Un Paese: Portrait of an Italian Village', a collaborative work with Italian neorealist writer Cesare Zavattini. This photo book offered an intimate look at life in the Italian village of Luzzara. Strand's sensitive portrayal of village life, captured through his lens, provided a profound narrative about post-war life in Italy, cementing his reputation as a master of documentary photography.

Paul Strand passed away on March 31, 1971. His death marked the end of a revolutionary career in photography; he left behind a legacy that stretched across continents and decades. Strand’s work spanned various themes, including portraits, landscapes, and abstract compositions that significantly influenced modern photography. His dedication to the medium has inspired countless photographers around the world.

In 1976, five years after Paul Strand's death, The Aperture Foundation established the Paul Strand Archive. This archive serves to preserve Strand's vast body of work and promote his legacy. It includes negatives, prints, and various documents related to his life and career. The archive plays a crucial role in continuing the scholarly study and public appreciation of Strand as a pioneering figure in the history of photography.