The 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, challenging the legacy of Roland Barthes's influential account. It presents new contexts for understanding Steichen's work and offers radically new analyses of the formal dynamics of the exhibition.

Format: Hardback
Length: 318 pages
Publication date: 31 October 2021
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 the exhibition as a form of sentimental humanism that failed to address the complexities of history, politics, and cultural differences.

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 are presented, including commentaries by critical theorist Max Horkheimer, letters from photographer August Sander, and a poetic sequence on the images by Polish poet Witold Wirpsza. These materials serve as catalysts for fresh critical reflections and encourage readers to engage with the exhibition in new and innovative ways.

A detailed survey of audience responses in Munich from 1955 provides a rare glimpse into the thoughts and impressions of the exhibition's visitors. It sheds light on their reactions to the images, their interpretations of the exhibition's themes, and their overall impressions of the event. Today, as armed conflict, environmental catastrophe, and economic inequality continue to loom large over our world, The Family of Man remains a poignant and relevant testament to the power of photography to connect, inspire, and challenge us. Its enduring impact serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy, understanding, and unity in the face of adversity.

Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032220253