Family of Man Revisited: Photography in a Global Age

The Family of Man is a widely seen photography exhibition that was first shown at the Museum of Modern Art in New York in 1955. It was conceived, curated, and designed by Edward Steichen and was a statement against war and the conflicts and divisions that threatened a common future for humanity after 1945. This book revises the critical debate about the exhibition, exploring new contexts for understanding Steichen's work and undertaking radically new analyses of the formal dynamics of the exhibition. It also presents documents about the exhibition never before available in English, including commentaries by Max Horkheimer and novelist Wolfgang Koeppen, letters from photographer August Sander, and a poetic sequence on the images by Polish poet Witold Wirpsza. A detailed survey of audience responses in Munich from 1955 allows a rare glimpse of what visitors thought about the exhibition. Today, when armed conflict, environmental catastrophe, and economic inequality continue to threaten our future, it seems timely to revisit The Family of Man.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 318 pages
Publication date: 18 December 2017
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Family of Man is widely regarded as one of the most iconic exhibitions in the history of photography. The accompanying book, which remains in print, holds the distinction of being the most commercially successful photobook ever published. Initially showcased at the Museum of Modern Art in New York in 1955, the exhibition embarked on a remarkable journey, traveling across the United States and reaching forty-six countries, attracting over nine million viewers. The visionary behind the exhibition was Edward Steichen, who conceived, curated, and designed it. He described its subject as "the everydayness of life" and "the essential oneness of mankind throughout the world." The Family of Man served as a powerful statement against war and the conflicts that posed a threat to the future of humanity after World War II. The international response to the exhibition was overwhelmingly enthusiastic, with many critics praising its ability to capture the human experience and promote unity among people from diverse backgrounds. However, a significant number of critics have also dismissed it as a form of sentimental humanism, arguing that it failed to address the complex challenges of history, politics, and cultural difference.

In this book, the critical debate surrounding The Family of Man is reexamined, with a particular focus on the legacy of Roland Barthes's influential account of the exhibition. Expert contributors explore new contexts for understanding Steichen's work and undertake radically new analyses of the formal dynamics of the exhibition. Additionally, previously unavailable documents about the exhibition, including commentaries by critical theorist Max Horkheimer, letters from photographer August Sander, and a poetic sequence on the images by Polish poet Witold Wirpsza, are presented. A detailed survey of audience responses in Munich from 1955 provides a rare glimpse into the thoughts and impressions of the visitors to the exhibition.

Today, as armed conflict, environmental catastrophe, and economic inequality persist, The Family of Man continues to serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of empathy, understanding, and unity among humankind. Its enduring impact on the field of photography and its ability to evoke powerful emotions and provoke critical thinking make it a timeless masterpiece that continues to inspire and challenge us.

Weight: 640g
Dimension: 244 x 173 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781784539672