Mann is from the US South and its history shows in her work – family, mortality, racism. Images of her young children naked brought both acclaim and controversy, the latter seemingly a 1990’s over-reaction. “[Her work] looks caught up in some warped romance with the past, which nonetheless looks greater than almost everything around it.” More images are here.
This “unprecedented” survey probably says nothing new about Brassaï. But then it doesn’t really need to, such is the fame of his images of 1930’s Paris. Acclaim came quickly as Brassaï showed the artistic potential of photography. He described his artistic impulse as seeking to show “a sense of the magic beneath the surface of reality.” More images are here.
Which photographic approach better captures the ‘truth’ about Afghanistan– focusing on its stark beauty or the ravages of its war? Two recent books differ. Of the more prominent book “The question as to whether McCurry’s beauty illuminates or obscures remains open. To me, his pictures’ unbroken radiance appears suspect.” More images are here and here.