Gordon Parks: The Making of an Argument

September 27–December 17, 2017

This investigation of the editorial process behind Parks's photo-essay "Harlem Gang Leader" reveals unspoken conflicts between photographer, editor, subject, and truth.

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  • Gordon Parks: Untitled, Harlem, New York, 1948; gelatin silver print; 13 1/4 x 10 3/8 in.; courtesy of and copyright The Gordon Parks Foundation.

  • Upcoming
    Films
  • Upcoming
    Events
  • Selected
    Objects
  • Past
    Films
  • Past
    Events

Selected Exhibition Objects

  • Photograph

    Untitled, Harlem, New York (Contact Sheet)

    Gordon Parks
    United States

    1948
    Gelatin silver print
    8 1/2 x 11 in.
    Courtesy of and copyright The Gordon Parks Foundation

  • Photograph

    Untitled, Harlem, New York

    Gordon Parks
    United States

    1948
    Gelatin silver print with applied pigment
    4 1/2 x 4 1/2 in.
    Courtesy of and copyright The Gordon Parks Foundation

  • Photograph

    Untitled, Harlem, New York

    Gordon Parks
    United States

    1948
    Gelatin silver print
    13 1/4 x 10 3/8 in.
    Courtesy of and copyright The Gordon Parks Foundation

  • Photograph

    Untitled, Harlem, New York

    Gordon Parks
    United States

    1948
    Gelatin silver print
    4 1/2 x 4 1/2 in.
    Courtesy of and copyright The Gordon Parks Foundation

  • Photograph

    Untitled, Harlem, New York

    Gordon Parks
    United States

    1948
    Gelatin silver print
    4 1/2 x 4 1/2 in.
    Courtesy of and copyright The Gordon Parks Foundation

  • Photograph

    Untitled, Harlem, New York

    Gordon Parks
    United States

    1948
    Gelatin silver print
    4 1/2 x 4 1/2 in.
    Courtesy of and copyright The Gordon Parks Foundation

  • Photograph

    Red Jackson, Harlem, New York

    Gordon Parks
    United States

    1948
    Gelatin silver print
    19 1/2 x 15 3/4 in.
    Courtesy of and copyright The Gordon Parks Foundation

  • Photograph

    Red Jackson with His Mother and Brother, Harlem, New York

    Gordon Parks
    United States

    1948
    Gelatin silver print
    10 5/8 x 13 in.
    Courtesy of and copyright The Gordon Parks Foundation

  • Photograph

    Gang Member Graffitis a Wall, Harlem, New York

    Gordon Parks
    United States

    1948
    Gelatin silver print
    13 1/2 x 10 1/2 in.
    Courtesy of and copyright The Gordon Parks Foundation

  • Photograph

    Leonard “Red” Jackson waits in the hospital to be seen by one of his eight primary care doctors, New York

    Lyric R. Cabral
    United States

    2007
    Gelatin silver print
    16 x 20 in.
    Courtesy of The Gordon Parks Foundation

Past Events

  • Saturday, September 30, 1 PM

    Panel Discussion: The Art and Activism of Gordon Parks

    This panel offers an appreciation of the influential photographer Gordon Parks and a critical examination of the processes that shaped his first Life magazine photo-essay. With Makeda Best, Tina Sacks, and Ken Light; moderated by Leigh Raiford.

    BAMPFA
  • Thursday, September 28, 12 PM

    Curator's Talk: Russell Lord on Gordon Parks

    The curator of Gordon Parks: The Making of an Argument offers critical insights into Parks’s first photo-essay for Life magazine.

    BAMPFA