A black and white photograph by Walker Evans, Tenant Farmer’s Wife, taken during the Great Depression captivated my attention today.
The photograph, which is about 8” x 10”, does not stand out at first amongst the others. I noticed it because last semester in my art history class we studied Walker Evans and this photograph specifically.
Evans didn’t pick a traditionally beautiful person but rather an ordinary woman. The shot is very candid and genuine which in today’s world comes rarely. Seeing this photograph in person made the artwork seem more real than before.
Another photograph in the Hallmark Photographic collection I appreciate seeing every time I go to the gallery is Migrant Mother by Dorthea Lange. I usually come to the conclusion that the mother in the image wonders how to support her children. I always try to place myself in her situation and it seems unimaginable.
As I finish my internship at the Nelson-Atkins, I realize how much I will miss having the luxury of popping into the gallery to see so many amazing works of art. I definitely plan to keep in touch.