Articles

New York in the Thirties, published by Dover Publications in 1973, is an unabridged reprint of Berenice Abbott’s 1939 classic Changing New York. Featuring 97 photographs, the book documents the architectural and social transformation of New York City during the Great Depression. Abbott used a large-format view camera to capture the contrast between old low-rise buildings and modern skyscrapers, employing a sharp, realistic photographic style called straight photography. The volume offers valuable historical context through captions by Elizabeth McCausland and serves as an important record of a rapidly changing cityscape. Read Article

Berenice Abbott returned to the U.S. in 1929, inspired by a “fantastic passion” to photograph New York City. Over the next decade, she created the Changing New York project, funded by the Federal Art Project. This collection includes 305 photographs documenting the city’s evolution, accompanied by historical data. Abbott’s work marketing the modern city captured its contrasts—from elegance to decay. She began her artistic life in Greenwich Village, then moved to Paris, where she worked with Man Ray and embraced modernist approaches to photography, emphasizing clarity and documentary over pictorialism. Read Article

Margaret Bourke-White was a pioneering American photographer born in 1904. She studied science and art before becoming an influential industrial photographer in the late 1920s. Bourke-White worked for major magazines like Fortune and LIFE, covering significant global events including World War II, the partition of India and Pakistan, and the Korean War. She broke many barriers as the first female staff photographer at LIFE, the first woman to photograph Soviet industry, and the first to work in combat zones during WWII. Her impactful images span decades and continue to be widely recognized. Read Article

Hector Acebes, at age 82, has recently gained recognition for his black-and-white photographs of Africa taken between 1948 and 1953. These images, mostly from small villages in Western and Northern Africa, capture a time when tribal life and traditional religions dominated daily existence. His photos highlight intricate cultural details such as scar patterning, tattoos, and jewelry, reflecting deep relationships with his subjects. The exhibition and forthcoming book in Seattle showcase his keen eye for African aesthetics and the human expressions that define identity and culture in a bygone era. Read Article

Germaine Krull’s 1928 photobook Métal is considered one of the most significant photobooks of the twentieth century. Unlike conventional books, Métal is a unique object with a folded board cover and unbound plates showcasing industrial photography, printed as collotypes. The images depict machinery and structures from European cities like Paris, Amsterdam, and Rotterdam, emphasizing modern industrial forms without captions, allowing viewers to create their own interpretations. The photobook’s innovative design and dynamic photographic style have continued to inspire artists and designers since its publication. Métal was the first of six photobooks Krull published during a prolific phase in her career. Read Article

Germaine Krull, a pioneering photographer of the early 20th century, gained prominence in 1928 Paris for her avant-garde photographs featured in the magazine VU. Known for her modernist style, Krull captured city life, industrial structures, and intimate images of female couples, challenging conventional representation of gender and queer desire. Her photo book Métal (1928) highlighted industrial Europe, while her earlier portfolio Les amies depicted tender moments between women, reflecting her own queer experiences. Krull’s work defied norms by portraying queer female sexuality openly during a time of widespread invisibility and anxiety about lesbian identity. Read Article

Germaine Krull was a pioneering modernist photographer whose work was championed by Man Ray but has since been largely overlooked. Born in 1897, Krull traveled extensively and developed a unique photographic style that ranged from nudes to urban landscapes. She was an innovator in photographic books and utilized experimental techniques such as multiple exposures and unusual perspectives. A recent exhibition at Jeu de Paume in Paris showcases over 130 of her prints, including rare early works and images from her travels in Southeast Asia. This exhibition highlights her lasting impact on 20th-century photography. Read Article

Germaine Krull was a revolutionary photographer and political radical whose work was once acknowledged by Man Ray as his equal. Active primarily in the 1920s and 1930s, she pioneered modernist photographic techniques and produced influential photobooks such as Métal, which redefined visual poetry through images of industrial structures. Despite her early success and contributions to fashion, portrait, and documentary photography, Krull's recognition waned compared to her male contemporaries. A recent Paris exhibition, Jeu de Paume: Germaine Krull (1897–1985): a Photographer's Journey, aims to restore her legacy as a groundbreaking artist and radical free spirit who lived a diverse and nomadic life. Read Article

Germaine Krull (1897-1985) was a pioneering figure in modern photography and photojournalism, active mainly between 1920 and 1940. This exhibition at Jeu de Paume highlights her Parisian period (1926-1935), focusing on her innovative reportage style and modernist vision through 130 vintage prints and period documents. Krull’s work is notable for its freedom from aesthetic norms, her contributions to avant-garde publications like VU, and her role as one of the first photographers to publish photo books. She combined artistic creativity with political engagement and extensive travel, producing impactful photo series on urban life, industrial landscapes, and Asian culture. Read Article

This retrospective gallery showcases iconic photographs by Rankin from the 1990s, highlighting his innovative approach that challenged conventional fashion imagery. Featured works include conceptual shoots for Dazed & Confused magazine, such as life-size cutouts set ablaze to comment on fashion culture, and candid portraits of celebrities like Kate Moss and Jude Law. Rankin's early work emphasized creative lighting and in-camera effects before digital retouching became common. His photography also pushed boundaries by including older and plus-size models, and exploring themes of identity and fandom. Read Article

In this 2025 interview, legendary portrait photographer and magazine founder Rankin discusses his exploration of artificial intelligence in image making. Despite initial skepticism, Rankin embraced AI to create his project FAIK—a physical magazine and exhibition centered on AI's impact on photography. He describes a complex emotional journey, grappling with excitement and fear about AI's potential to redefine creativity. Rankin highlights the democratization of image-making enabled by technology and believes authentic photography will become more valuable, even as AI-generated imagery evolves. He remains committed to photography, adapting to new tools while reflecting critically on their implications. Read Article

This exclusive interview delves into the world of photography through the perspective of Rankin, one of the most respected and celebrated photographers in the industry. He shares insights into his approach and experiences while capturing iconic images of cultural figures. The discussion highlights his artistic vision and the impact of his work on contemporary photography. Read Article