Gordon Parks – Photos and Artwork

About Gordon Parks

Gordon Parks was a self-taught photographer who documented the African American experience of racism and poverty. He was born in Fort Scott, Kansas in 1912 and grew up in poverty; however, he found his passion for photography after seeing images of migrant workers taken by Farm Security Administration (FSA) photographers in a magazine. His works captured the beauty, power, and spirituality of African Americans.

He became the first African American photographer for Life and Vogue magazines while pursuing movie directing. Parks used his camera as a weapon against poverty, racism, and discrimination in America. Additionally, he wrote novels, poetry, composed music among other talents.

Parks’ photographs inspired many artists as they covered decades between the 1940s to 1970s. Despite race-related barriers faced in America during his time when it came to being recognized with awards for achievements accomplished compared to white photographers at the time but despite such setbacks Park never stopped working towards documenting important moments through his lens even till his death on March 7th, 2006 leaving behind a notable impact on society that serves as an inspiration through great legacy today seen through TV/Documentaries about him or visiting exhibits around parts of America showcasing his works such as Atlanta’s High Museum of Art exhibition called ‘Gordon Parks: The New Tide’ featuring photographs from half a century ago which were taken using both analog & digital cameras with original prints amidst working on portraits including famous ones like Malcolm X too over decades capturing history & humanity besides strength present among black communities or struggling families navigating poverty making them incredible relics worth noting and commemorating or highlighting even now presently given their immense lasting significance impactful across periods since initial publication regardless of age differences sometimes proofing timeless once revisited due to their storytelling value frequently educating viewers unfamiliar with Black History landmarks or teachings especially regarding racial injustices partaking often back then while leveraging art amid advocacy efforts until addressed more diligently lest ignored otherwise while inspiring modern artists globally.

Photographs from Gordon Parks

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