A remarkable new exhibition at Dulwich Picture Gallery is shedding light on the urban landscape of America through the lens of master photographers. “Portrait of a City: A Century of American Photography” explores the dynamic and often gritty essence of city life, showcasing the work of iconic artists such as Alfred Stieglitz, Dorothea Lange, and Diane Arbus. This exhibition not only celebrates the visual artistry of these influential figures but also delves into the socio-political narratives that shaped the 20th-century urban experience.
A Journey Through Urban Evolution
This exhibition, only the second photography showcase in the gallery’s history, provides a thoughtful yet poignant examination of the evolution of American cities. Beginning with early pioneers of pictorialism like Stieglitz and Edward Steichen, the collection traverses through time, capturing the highs and lows of urban life. The exhibition commences with Lange’s renowned images, such as “Migrant Mother” and “White Angel Breadline,” which poignantly depict the struggles during the Great Depression.
The array of artistry continues with Lewis Hine’s famed portrait of Victor “Frenchy” Gosselin, an ironworker on the Empire State Building, epitomising the American spirit of resilience and ambition. The exhibition’s focus on these foundational works highlights how photography emerged as a vital medium for social commentary and documentation.
The Grit and Glory of City Life
The exhibition features a rich tapestry of photographic talent, including Ilse Bing, Mary Ellen Mark, and Saul Leiter, each contributing their unique perspectives on urban life. However, the selection is somewhat constrained as it exclusively showcases pieces from the DNB Savings Bank Foundation collection. This limitation, while narrowing the scope, also creates a concentrated narrative that is both compelling and cohesive.
For instance, the exhibition includes a short film segment that contrasts the starkness of Lange’s iconic soup kitchen photograph with lively footage of the same location in 1931, set to an upbeat swing soundtrack. This juxtaposition illuminates how photography can shape our understanding of a place, transforming grim realities into vibrant community moments.
Shadows and Solitude: The Dark Side of Urban Existence
As the exhibition progresses, it reveals the darker undercurrents of city life. The photographs of Louis Faurer, particularly “Looking at the RCA Building at Rockefeller Center,” encapsulate the sense of isolation felt amid the towering giants of urban architecture. An enigmatic figure gazes up at the massive edifice, a haunting reminder of the solitude that can permeate city existence.
Weegee’s sensational snapshots of New York’s nightlife add another layer, exposing the city’s raw edges—murders, accidents, and the uncanny moments that only urban environments can produce. His work invites viewers to confront the unfiltered reality of life after dark, where human stories unfold in the shadows.
Roy DeCarava’s “Hallway,” featuring a dimly lit corridor in a Harlem tenement, evokes a profound sense of claustrophobia and intimacy. The photograph’s haunting simplicity invites introspection, drawing attention to the often-overlooked spaces of urban life. DeCarava’s masterful use of shadow transforms the colour black into a vibrant character in itself, illustrating the depth of emotion and experience that resides within the urban fabric.
A Tapestry of Voices and Experiences
As the exhibition navigates through the decades, it captures the evolving narrative of American cities, often through the eyes of artists who were first- or second-generation immigrants. This diverse lineage is critical, revealing how the immigrant experience has shaped the urban landscape and artistic expression.
Moving into the vibrant 1960s and 70s, the exhibition showcases Bruce Davidson’s dynamic photographs of New York’s subway system, where life converges in a melting pot of culture, class, and identity. His Leica shots highlight the beauty and chaos of daily commutes, celebrating the interconnectedness of city dwellers while underscoring the relentless motion of urban life.
The exhibition culminates in a visual symphony that encapsulates the essence of city existence—an unending dance of joy, struggle, and resilience, punctuated by the glimmer of everyday moments.
Why it Matters
“Portrait of a City” at Dulwich Picture Gallery is more than just an exhibition; it is a powerful exploration of the American urban experience, reflecting the complexities of life in a rapidly evolving landscape. Through the lens of master photographers, it invites us to confront the dichotomy of urban existence—the beauty and the brutality, the community and the isolation. As cities continue to grow and change, this exhibition serves as a poignant reminder of the stories that unfold in their shadows, urging us to look deeper and understand the myriad lives interwoven within the urban tapestry.
