Now showing at Tate Modern London, until 23 January 2005, is a very comprehensive exhibition of the work of photographer Robert Frank.
His groundbreaking documentary work of the 50s came together in his book The Americans. For two years he travelled America taking pictures: they showed the diversity and the social divisions of the American people in a changing society. They also showed individuality. Above “New York City” 1955.
Swiss-born Frank always retained the vision of an “outsider”. His later, more experimental, film work — he filmed a loose story about the beatniks — is perhaps less successful. But his other later, more personal work — he made a documentary about the mental decline of his son Pablo — is extremely moving. This is a fantastic exhibition about a living and still thoroughly Bohemian “American” artist.
Rosalind Robson
