In a stunning exhibition that marries the grit and grandeur of urban life, Dulwich Picture Gallery presents “Portrait of a City: A Century of American Photography.” Running until 4 October, this exhibition showcases a diverse array of works from iconic photographers, illuminating the complexities of American cities through their lenses. From the shadowy corners of the Great Depression to the vibrant chaos of the 1980s, the exhibition reflects the evolution of urban America, inviting viewers to engage with both its beauty and its harsh realities.
A Tapestry of Historical Context
This exhibition, only the second of its kind in the gallery’s history, meticulously charts the development of the modern city alongside the evolution of photography as an art form. The collection features works from legendary figures such as Alfred Stieglitz, Edward Steichen, and Dorothea Lange, who were pivotal in shaping the narrative of urban life in the United States.
Beginning with early pioneers, the exhibition highlights Lange’s poignant images like “Migrant Mother” and “White Angel Breadline,” which capture the stark realities of the Great Depression. These works serve as a backdrop to the evolution of social documentary photography, illustrating how artists used their cameras to reflect societal struggles and transformations.
Iconic Works and Artistic Evolution
The exhibition features a rich array of artists, including Ilse Bing, Diane Arbus, and Richard Avedon, each contributing unique perspectives on urban existence. Notably, the selection is drawn exclusively from the DNB Savings Bank Foundation collection, which adds a distinctive coherence but also places certain limitations on the curatorial choices.
A particularly intriguing aspect is the short film segments interspersed throughout the exhibition. These snippets offer viewers a glimpse into the vibrant life surrounding Lange’s famous soup kitchen photograph, contrasting the somber atmosphere of the iconic image with the lively community spirit of the time, set against a backdrop of upbeat swing music.
Many of the photographers showcased began their careers as painters; this artistic foundation is evident in their meticulous attention to composition and light. Aaron Siskind’s “Harlem Document” exemplifies this blend of influences, as he seeks abstraction in the peeling paint and tattered posters of Harlem, creating a new visual language for social commentary.
The Grit Beneath the Glitter
As the exhibition progresses, the tone shifts, revealing the darker underbelly of urban life. Louis Faurer’s 1949 photograph, “Looking at the RCA Building at Rockefeller Center,” encapsulates this sentiment. An anonymous figure gazes up at the colossal structure, emblematic of both aspiration and alienation.
The night-time photographs resonate with an eerie sense of tension. Weegee’s sensationalist snapshots from the streets of New York portray a city alive with danger and intrigue, capturing surreal moments that only urban life can produce. These images invite viewers to confront the unsettling realities that lurk in the shadows of the city.
Roy DeCarava’s “Hallway” stands out for its poignant simplicity. The photograph captures a dimly lit corridor in a Harlem tenement, evoking a profound sense of claustrophobia and reflection. The deep shadows and solitary light create an atmosphere that allows the viewer to feel the weight of the space, shedding light on the often-overlooked aspects of urban living.
The American Urban Narrative
Throughout “Portrait of a City,” the narrative of the American city unfolds, revealing that many photographers represented are first- or second-generation immigrants. This aspect adds a layer of complexity to the exhibition, showcasing how photography became a means for these artists to navigate and make sense of the vastness of urban life. Garry Winogrand’s reflections on his own process speak to this struggle, as he sought to disappear into the fabric of the city, capturing fleeting moments that speak volumes.
As the exhibition transitions into the 1960s and 70s, viewers are greeted with a vibrant tapestry of life as seen through Bruce Davidson’s Leica shots of graffiti-covered subway trains. This segment bursts with energy, illustrating the intersections of culture, race, and class in the urban melting pot. Here, the city pulsates with life—people celebrating, working, and navigating the daily grind, all framed by the warm hues of sunset.
Why it Matters
“Portrait of a City” is more than just an exploration of photography; it is a powerful commentary on the American experience itself. Through the lenses of these master photographers, the exhibition reveals the multifaceted nature of urban life, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own interactions with the city. It challenges us to consider how art, in its most authentic form, can encapsulate both the beauty and the bleakness of the human condition, urging us to confront the complexities of our shared urban existence.