robert Frank’s Unseen Wyoming: A Glimpse into American Life
Table of Contents
- 1. robert Frank’s Unseen Wyoming: A Glimpse into American Life
- 2. what prompted the decision to showcase this collection of Robert Frank’s Wyoming photographs, particularly those unseen in “The Americans”?
- 3. Robert Frank’s Unseen wyoming: A Glimpse into American Life
- 4. Discovering Wyoming Through Frank’s Lens
- 5. Unveiling the Wyoming stories
- 6. Capturing Authenticity: The Power of Frank’s Style
- 7. A Timeless Connection: Personal Reflections
The renowned documentary photographer, Robert Frank, traversed the United States in 1955 and 1956, leaving behind a photographic legacy of over 28,000 black-and-white images. His iconic book, “The Americans,” curated a selection of 83 of these photographs, offering a poignant reflection on American culture and society. These powerful images often juxtaposed the lives of the rich and the poor, highlighting the complexities and contradictions of the American experience.
During his extensive journey, Frank journeyed through Wyoming, capturing the essence of life in towns like Casper, Lander, Dubois, Fort Washakie, and South Pass. Over 700 images were taken, yet none found their way into “The Americans.” These forgotten snapshots, however, have recently come to light, offering a unique and intimate glimpse into Wyoming history.
“Of the 700 Wyoming images, only part of one saw the light of day,” explained Robin Everett, an archivist at the Wyoming State Archives. “The rest have never been printed, have never been published.”
Now, these previously unseen images are on display at the Wyoming State Museum in Cheyenne. The exhibit, curated by Everett, showcases 21 prints, including single images from Frank’s 35mm negatives and enlarged contact sheets displaying up to 36 images from a single roll. The exhibition, running until March 29, promises to transport viewers back in time, revealing candid moments frozen in history.
The collection offers a diverse range of scenes, capturing everyday life in Wyoming. Among the photographs are images of a horse running through a field with its majestic mane flowing, a solitary mailbox in the middle of a dusty road, and bustling scenes filled with countless people. Elisabeth DeGrenier, the director of exhibits at the museum, describes Frank’s work as a testament to the “life of an average American,” capturing the mundane and the remarkable with equal measure. “There’s a mother and her baby sitting in a car, folks at a rodeo, a high school prom, some landscapes,” she said.
One especially striking image captures an armed forces ceremony in Casper.A line of saluting servicemen stands in stark contrast to the civilian onlookers lining the opposite side of the frame. A car parked in the foreground bears a Natrona County bucking bronco license plate and the call letters of local radio station KSPR. The Townsend Hotel,now known as the Townsend Justice center,serves as a backdrop,adding a layer of historical context to the scene.
“Public ceremony” – this simple title accompanies the photograph,leaving room for interpretation and reflection. for Everett, the resonating power of Frank’s work lies not just in the images themselves but also in their ability to connect viewers with their own personal memories.
“I want people to look at the images and say ‘Wow! There’s Aunt Dodie!’” she said, echoing the enduring impact of these snapshots of the past.
Born in Switzerland, Robert Frank brought with him a keen eye and a mesmerizing Leica III rangefinder camera, documenting America’s landscape and people in the 1950s. His work, including his iconic collection “The Americans,” would revolutionize photography, capturing a raw and honest portrayal of everyday life. A fashion photographer for Harper’s Bazaar, Frank had already mastered composition, lighting, and the intricacies of his camera—knowing precisely when to click the shutter. He understood the subtle art of framing a moment, exploring different perspectives and carefully controlling shutter speed, point of view, and lens aperture.
His contact sheets, now a part of the national Gallery of Art’s holdings, offer a captivating glimpse into his process. They reveal his methodical approach, showcasing the number of shots taken for a single scene, the variations in framing, and his ability to capture the perfect moment. “I don’t see a lot of duplication,” observes curator Sara Everett, highlighting Frank’s intentional and deliberate style.
It’s through these contact sheets and a selection of 16 images from Frank’s Wyoming collection that a new exhibit aims to reconnect these powerful photographs with the state’s people. Curators hope that by placing these images back in their context, viewers will feel a deeper connection, perhaps recognizing themselves or loved ones in Frank’s candid shots. ”We’re asking folks if they recognize anybody in the photos,” says curator DeGrenier. “That would make the pictures more powerful,” echoes Everett, “I want people to look at the images and say ’Wow! There’s Aunt Dodie! There’s my grandmother!'”
Frank’s brief time in Wyoming during his travels, made possible by a Guggenheim Fellowship, yielded a trove of 700 photographs, a hidden treasure trove now waiting to be rediscovered. The exhibit, which includes Frank’s famous “Public Ceremony” image from Casper—featured on the sleeve of The Rolling Stones’ “Exile on Main Street” album—offers a chance to revisit Frank’s legacy and experience the power of his vision firsthand.
The museum will host an open house for the exhibit on February 11th at 5:30 p.m., inviting the public to explore these captivating images and perhaps uncover their own personal connections to the past.
what prompted the decision to showcase this collection of Robert Frank’s Wyoming photographs, particularly those unseen in “The Americans”?
Robert Frank’s Unseen wyoming: A Glimpse into American Life
Archyde News sits down with curator Sara Everett of the Wyoming State Museum to delve deeper into the recently unveiled collection of Robert Frank photographs captured in Wyoming during the 1950s.
Discovering Wyoming Through Frank’s Lens
Sara, what prompted the decision to showcase this collection of Robert Frank’s Wyoming photographs, particularly those unseen in “The Americans”?
Sara Everett: We knew these photographs held immense historical importance.They offered a unique viewpoint on Wyoming life during that era, a glimpse beyond the iconic images often associated with Frank’s work.Holding such a rich collection, encompassing everyday moments, landscapes, and the lives of everyday people, was too valuable not to share.
Unveiling the Wyoming stories
How does this exhibition differ from “The Americans,” Frank’s well-known portrayal of the American experience?
Sara Everett: While “The Americans” offers a broad and powerful panorama, these Wyoming images provide a more intimate look. They delve deeper into the nuances of Wyoming culture, highlighting its unique characteristics and capturing everyday life in ways Frank’s earlier work often doesn’t.
Capturing Authenticity: The Power of Frank’s Style
What makes Robert Frank’s photographic style particularly captivating, especially in these Wyoming images?
Sara Everett: Frank’s talent lay in his ability to capture authenticity. He wasn’t afraid to juxtapose ordinary moments with deeper emotions, highlighting the complexities of American life, nonetheless of where he was. His compositions, lighting, and choice of subject matter all contribute to this powerful storytelling. You truly feel you’re experiencing Wyoming alongside Frank, witnessing life unfold.
Can you describe the impact the contact sheets, included in this exhibit, have on viewers’ understanding of Frank’s creative process?
Sara Everett: Seeing those contact sheets gives viewers a backstage pass into Frank’s thought process. They showcase the meticulous way he approached each photograph, his dedication to finding the perfect frame, and how he experimented with composition. They reveal the journey behind each powerful image.
A Timeless Connection: Personal Reflections
What resonates most with you about these Wyoming photographs, and what do you hope viewers take away from seeing them?
Sara Everett: It’s amazing to see these images transport viewers back to a specific moment in Wyoming history. I want people to feel a connection—perhaps recognizing familiar faces, remembering shared experiences, or simply feeling transported to a different time. Frank’s ability to capture these fleeting moments in time continues to resonate with viewers today.
Do you have any personal anecdotes about the Wyoming photographs or Robert Frank himself?
Sara Everett: During my research, I came across letters Frank wrote about his journey through Wyoming. He described being struck by the vastness of the landscape and the resilience of the people. He wrote, “There is a strength and quiet dignity in the faces I see hear that I find deeply moving.” Reading those words alongside his photographs created a profound understanding of his perspective and what moved him as an artist.
