Ruth Orkin: Women

A new exhibition at the Morgan Library & Museum in New York City showcases a previously unknown side of Ruth Orkin: the sensitive, interested, witty chronicler of the women's world of the 1940s and 1950s. Orkin's photographs and slides depict women on the move, self-confident, stylish, and smart, breaking away from conventions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 08 February 2024
Publisher: Hatje Cantz

Capturing grace: Her American Girl in Italy—the vibrant street scene with the whistling Italians—is an iconic masterpiece. However, a treasure trove of sensational negatives and slides from the archive has now emerged, shedding light on a lesser-known facet of Ruth Orkin: that of the sensitive, inquisitive, and witty chronicler of the women's world of the 1940s and 1950s. Orkin's creative genius extended to editorials such as the playful reportage "Who works harder?" which humorously compared the lives of a career woman and a housewife. She meticulously documented the bustling energy in beauty salons, glamorous cocktail parties, captivating dog shows, and the bustling Hollywood film sets. Through her lens, we meet iconic figures like Lauren Bacall, Jane Russell, Joan Taylor, and Doris Day, alongside the everyday women—waitresses, stewardesses, and female soldiers—as well as groups of female friends. What emerges is a captivating portrayal of women on the move, breaking free from the conventions imposed upon them and forging their own paths: self-assured, stylish, and intelligent. Ruth Orkin's remarkable photographs not only capture the essence of a bygone era but also serve as a testament to the indomitable spirit and determination of women who dared to defy societal norms and carve their own destinies.

Weight: 1068g
Dimension: 272 x 275 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783775756853