The Photography of Gordon Parks, Renaissance Man

Gordon Parks was one of the 20th century’s premier photographers and photojournalists. His work was marked by a keen artistic eye as well as a deep sense of compassion for his subjects. These qualities are on full display in many of his works, including the photograph American Gothic, Washington, D.C., which is part of the KIA’s permanent collection. Parks was also a noted author, film director, composer, and painter. Parks’ achievements are all the more remarkable when contextualized against the poverty and racism that he faced during his early life. This ARTbreak talk will focus on examples of Parks’ photography as well as on highlights of the fascinating life of this Renaissance man.

Sam Grossman is a docent at the KIA, as well as a former darkroom photographer. He is a retired pediatrician and former teacher.