New Deal Photography. USA 1935-1943

The United States Farm Security Administration (FSA) was founded in 1935 to address rural poverty. It hired photographers and writers to record the lives of the rural poor, and this book records the full reach of the program from 1935 to 1943. The photographs are arranged into four broad regional sections and show a range of subjects, including convicts, cotton workers, kids, and relocated workers. The images are both color and black-and-white and span the complete spectrum of American rural life. The subjects are entrenched in the hardships of their historical lot but face the viewer with a unique, irreplaceable, often unforgettable presence.

Format: Hardback
Length: 608 pages
Publication date: 20 August 2021
Publisher: Taschen GmbH

Amid the depths of the Great Depression, the United States Farm Security Administration (FSA) emerged in 1935, driven by a noble mission to alleviate rural poverty. Its comprehensive efforts encompassed resettlement and collectivization programs, as well as modernized farming methods, aimed at improving the lives of sharecroppers, tenants, and exceedingly poor landowning farmers. In parallel, a remarkable documentation program was initiated, enlisting photographers and writers to capture the realities of the rural poor and introduce America to its citizens. This captivating book serves as a testament to the FSA's far-reaching impact, spanning from 1935 to 1943, honoring its unwavering vigor and commitment across diverse subjects, states, and stylistic preferences.

The photographs, meticulously arranged into four broad regional sections, allow each image to speak for itself, offering individual impressions while collectively forming an indelible survey of a nation. These photographs, spanning the full spectrum of American rural life, depict a diverse range of subjects. They include convicts, cotton workers, children, and relocated workers, each bearing the marks of their unique experiences. From the harshness of nature to the unpredictable forces of the global economic market, the photographs capture the resilience and humanity of these individuals.

Among the notable photographers who contributed to the FSA project are Marion Post Wolcott, Jack Delano, Russell Lee, Walker Evans, Ben Shahn, and Dorothea Lange. Their profound insights and empathy shine through in their photographs, which evoke a deep sense of connection and understanding between the subjects and the viewer. Through their testimonies and encounters with their subjects, including Lange's iconic Migrant Mother, we gain a deeper appreciation for the dedication and artistry of these photographers.

What unites these photographs is a profound commitment to the individuality and dignity of each subject. The FSA project sought to humanize the rural poor, challenging societal stereotypes and promoting a deeper understanding of their struggles. The images serve as a testament to the resilience and determination of the American people during a challenging period in history, reminding us of the importance of compassion, empathy, and social justice.

In conclusion, this book offers a captivating glimpse into the world of the FSA and its profound impact on American rural life. Through the photographs and the narratives of the photographers and their subjects, we are invited to witness the human faces of poverty and to appreciate the resilience and dignity of the rural poor. The FSA project not only addressed immediate needs but also left a lasting legacy, fostering a deeper appreciation for the diversity and complexity of American society.

Weight: 988g
Dimension: 205 x 151 x 46 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783836537117
Edition number: Multilingual ed