Walker Evans

Walker Evans was born on November 3, 1903, in St. Louis, Missouri. He would grow up to become one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century, known for his work documenting the American life particularly during the Great Depression. His style was characterized by its stark realism and was pivotal in establishing photography as a legitimate art form. Evans' work had a profound impact on subsequent generations of photographers.

In September 1935, Walker Evans was hired by Roy Stryker to work for the Farm Security Administration (FSA). This New Deal program aimed to document the effects of the Great Depression in America, and Evans' role involved capturing powerful images of poverty-stricken rural and urban areas. His practice of capturing everyday life with a clear, uncompromising eye helped to both inform and influence public understanding and appreciation for the photographic medium as social commentary.

In the summer of 1936, Walker Evans began his famous collaboration with writer James Agee. They spent several weeks living with three tenant farming families in Hale County, Alabama to document their poor living conditions. This project resulted in Evans' most renowned work, the book 'Let Us Now Praise Famous Men,' published in 1941, which juxtaposed Agee's eloquent prose with Evans' striking photographs, vividly portraying the struggles of the poor agricultural community during the Great Depression.

In 1966, the book 'Many Are Called' was published, featuring the subway portraits that Walker Evans had taken between 1938 and 1941. These candid photographs were captured with a hidden camera and are unique for the unguarded, honest expressions of the passengers. The book includes an introduction by James Agee and is considered an important contribution to the field of street photography, influencing many future photographers by its technique and raw depiction of ordinary life.

In July 1971, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York held a major retrospective of Walker Evans' work. This exhibition showcased the breadth and influence of Evans' photography, highlighting his contribution to the art form and his role in shaping modern visual culture. It firmly established Evans as one of the great figures in photography, celebrating his ability to capture the essence of American life with clarity and empathy. The exhibition cemented his reputation as a pioneer of documentary photography.

On September 25, 2013, the Centre Pompidou in Paris opened a comprehensive exhibition dedicated to the work of Walker Evans. This exhibition was one of the most extensive shows in Europe dedicated to the American photographer, underscoring his relevance and influence in the field of photography. It featured over 300 prints and documents, providing a profound insight into Evans' approach and his pivotal role in the development of documentary photography.