Robert Frank 1924-2019

Mathew Brady

Documentary

Carnage of Slavery

Carnage of War

1860s

The historical context and objection is the easy and obvious way to seduce attention(as with Arbus).

Yes.

My own appreciation of Frank's photos has little to do with argument. And there are parts of the discussion that are more constructive and less argumentative, which move the ball forward for me.

Though there are certainly social comments in Frank's photos and in Kerouac's introduction, and they're important and meaningful to me, I also view them personally, relating them to street scenes I've known and ways of looking and shooting that might inspire me, not necessarily to do the same or similar but just to gain perspective and insight.

I wonder if one of the reasons for Frank's own negative comments about photography (and to tie together two current threads) is that he, himself, became a bit of a cliché, and not by his own hand but because he set a standard and tone that others couldn't resist following. My job is to learn from him, be inspired by him, and do those in search of a voice of my own.

I wonder if one of the reasons for Frank's own negative comments about photography (and to tie together two current threads) is that he, himself, became a bit of a cliché, and not by his own hand but because he set a standard and tone that others couldn't resist following.

I think so. I also think he just felt better moving forward. Plus he disliked explaining his photographs wanting the photos to speak for themselves..

“I always liked to turn around the corner because there’s always something around the corner. As long as you’re curious about it. That’s when life is interesting – if you’re curious.” – Robert Frank.