Description
Book Synopsis: From the author of the acclaimed James Brown biography The One comes the first in-depth biography of renowned photographer and filmmaker Robert Frank, best known for his landmark book The Americans. As well-known as Robert Frank the photographer is, few can say they really know Robert Frank the man. Born and raised in wartime Switzerland, Frank discovered the power and allure of photography at an early age and quickly learned that the art meant significantly more to him than the money, success, or fame. The art was all, and he intended to spend a lifetime pursuing it.
American Witness is the first comprehensive look at the life of a man who's as mysterious and evasive as he is prolific and gifted. Leaving his rigid Switzerland for the more fluid United States in 1947, Frank found himself at the red-hot social center of bohemian New York in the '50s and '60s, becoming friends with everyone from Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and Peter Orlovsky to photographer Walker Evans, actor Zero Mostel, painter Willem de Kooning, filmmaker Jonas Mekas, Bob Dylan, writer Rudy Wirlitzer, jazz musicians Ornette Coleman and Charles Mingus, and more. Frank roamed the country with his young family, taking roughly 27,000 photographs and collecting 83 of them into what is still his most famous work: The Americans. His was an America nobody had seen before, and if it was harshly criticized upon publication for its portrait of a divided country, the collection gradually grew to be recognized as a transformative American vision. And then he turned his back on certain success, giving up photography to reinvent himself as a film and video maker.
Frank helped found the American independent cinema of the 1960s and made a legendary film with the Rolling Stones. Today, the nonagenarian is an embodiment of restless creativity and a symbol of what it costs to remain original in America, his life defined by never repeating himself, never being satisfied. American Witness is a portrait of a singular artist and the country that he saw.
Details
Discover the captivating life and artistic genius of renowned photographer and filmmaker Robert Frank in his extraordinary biography - "American Witness: The Art and Life of Robert Frank." From the acclaimed author of the James Brown biography "The One," this compelling narrative reveals the man behind the iconic photographs that have defined American culture. Experience the power and allure of Frank's photography, as he captures a raw and authentic America that had never been seen before.
Robert Frank's journey from wartime Switzerland to the vibrant center of bohemian New York in the '50s and '60s is an enchanting story of artistic evolution. Through the pages of "American Witness," you'll witness Frank's close friendships with influential figures such as Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and Bob Dylan. As Frank traverses the nation with his camera, he immerses himself in the lives of everyday Americans, capturing their struggles, joys, and the very essence of their humanity.
Immerse yourself in the groundbreaking collection that redefined American photography - "The Americans." This iconic work, comprised of 83 meticulously curated photographs, provides a unique perspective on a country deeply divided. At first met with criticism, "The Americans" later achieved recognition as a transformative masterpiece, forever etching Robert Frank's name into the annals of American art history.
But Robert Frank's artistic journey didn't end there. In a bold move that showcased his restless creativity, he transitioned from photography to become a pioneering filmmaker and video maker. His contributions to American independent cinema paved the way for the next generation of visionary filmmakers. From collaborating with the Rolling Stones to creating legendary films, Frank demonstrated that true artistry knows no bounds.
Join us on an enlightening exploration of a unique artist's life and his profound impact on American culture. "American Witness" invites you to step into the world of Robert Frank, to experience the captivating images he captured and the stories he told. Discover the essence of his artistic spirit, forever pushing the boundaries of his craft. Are you ready to embark on this extraordinary journey? Explore "American Witness: The Art and Life of Robert Frank" today.
Discover More Best Sellers in Individual Artists
Shop Individual Artists
Picasso: 16 Art Stickers (Dover Art Stickers)
$1.99
Individual Artists - Picasso: 16 Art Stickers (Dover Art Stickers)
Sacred Decay: The Art of Lauren Marx
$24.99
Individual Artists - Sacred Decay: The Art of Lauren Marx
KAWS: WHAT PARTY (Black on Pink edition)
$47.49
Individual Artists - KAWS: WHAT PARTY (Black on Pink edition)
The Secret Life of Salvador Dalí (Dover Fine Art, History of Art)
$16.49
Individual Artists - The Secret Life of Salvador Dalí (Dover Fine Art, History of Art)
Artists in the Americas: Talents of Tomorrow in Manga, Game and Animation
$23.80
Individual Artists - Artists in the Americas: Talents of Tomorrow in Manga, Game and Animation
