The Dulwich Picture Gallery in London is currently hosting an evocative exhibition titled *Portrait of a City*, showcasing the profound impact of urban life as captured by some of the 20th century’s most iconic photographers. Running until 4 October, this collection is not merely a visual feast; it is an exploration of the complex relationship between humanity and the modern cityscape, reflecting both its beauty and its harsh realities.
A Photographic Odyssey Through Time
This exhibition is only the second of its kind in the gallery’s storied history, and it offers a contemplative yet riveting look at the evolving landscape of American cities. The show draws upon the DNB Savings Bank Foundation collection, which limits its scope to a carefully curated selection of works from renowned photographers like Alfred Stieglitz, Dorothea Lange, and Saul Leiter.
From the outset, visitors are introduced to the pioneers of pictorialism, with Stieglitz and Edward Steichen setting the tone. The exhibition then transitions into poignant pieces of social documentary photography, exemplified by Lange’s heart-wrenching *Migrant Mother*, alongside Lewis Hine’s stirring portrayal of a high-steel ironworker, Victor “Frenchy” Gosselin, mid-construction on the Empire State Building.
Capturing the Urban Experience
The collection features an impressive array of photographers, including Mary Ellen Mark, Diane Arbus, and Richard Avedon, each contributing their unique perspectives on city life. However, the exhibition’s structure is somewhat dictated by the specific works available from the DNB Savings Bank Foundation, which may limit the range of narratives presented.
Complementing the still images are short film pieces that provide alternative interpretations of the urban experience. A particularly striking 44-second clip features the White Angel soup kitchen in 1931, where Lange’s iconic photograph was taken. Contrary to the somber atmosphere of her image, the film reveals a vibrant hub of community spirit, with a cheerful matron distributing food and mending clothes, set to a lively swing soundtrack.
Shadows and Light: The Duality of City Life
Many of the featured photographers began their careers as painters, and this artistic background is evident in their meticulous attention to composition and light. Aaron Siskind’s *Harlem Document* exemplifies this influence, as he transforms the peeling paint and torn posters of Harlem into a form of abstract expressionism that resonates with social protest.
As the exhibition progresses, the narrative shifts from the optimism of the Great Depression and the New Deal to a more unsettling portrayal of urban isolation. Louis Faurer’s *Looking at the RCA Building at Rockefeller Center* encapsulates this sentiment, depicting a solitary figure dwarfed by the monumental architecture—a stark reminder of the anonymity that often accompanies city life.
The nocturnal allure of urban environments is vividly illustrated through the works of Weegee, whose sensationalist photographs of New York after dark reveal the city’s underbelly—murders, accidents, and fleeting moments that only a bustling metropolis can produce. In stark contrast, Roy DeCarava’s *Hallway* captures a hauntingly simple corridor in a Harlem tenement, illuminated by a solitary bulb. The shadows envelop the space, inviting viewers to experience the claustrophobic intimacy of urban living.
The American Urban Narrative
This exhibition serves as a retelling of the American urban narrative, with most of the photographers being first- or second-generation immigrants. It showcases how photography has become a vital medium for artists grappling with the overwhelming nature of city life. Garry Winogrand’s desire to “not exist” while capturing the chaos of urban environments illustrates the complex relationship between photographers and their subjects.
As we traverse through the 1960s and 70s, the atmosphere becomes charged with political energy, culminating in Bruce Davidson’s dynamic images of New York’s graffiti-laden subways in the 1980s. Here, the vibrant tapestry of city life is laid bare, depicting a multitude of experiences—from celebration to conflict—as the subway cars become a microcosm of urban existence.
Why it Matters
*Portrait of a City* is more than an exhibition; it is an essential reflection on the multifaceted relationship between individuals and their urban surroundings. By presenting these powerful images, the Dulwich Picture Gallery invites us to confront the complexities of city life—its beauty, its grit, and its unyielding energy. In an age where urbanisation continues to shape our world, this exhibition serves as a poignant reminder of the stories that emerge from the shadows, urging us to appreciate the quiet yet dazzling moments that define our collective experience in the city.
