Table of Contents
Quick Facts
- Art period: Modern
- Emotional tone:
- reflective
- melancholic
- Born: 1912, Fort Scott, United States of America
- Mediums: acrylic on canvas
- Also known as: Gordon Roger Alexander Buchanan Parks
- Movements: documentary photography
- Vibe: calm
- Room fit: living room
- Typical colors:
- earthy
- other
- Museums on APS:
- The Gordon Parks Foundation
- High Museum of Art
- High Museum of Art
- High Museum of Art
- High Museum of Art
- Works on APS: 83
- More…
- Top-ranked work: Store Front, Mobile, Alabama
- Copyright status: Under copyright
- Lifespan: 94 years
- Color intensity: monochromatic
- Best occasions:
- accent
- statement
- Top 3 works:
- Store Front, Mobile, Alabama
- Mr. and Mrs. Albert Thornton, Mobile, Alabama
- Outside Looking In, Mobile, Alabama
- Nationality: United States of America
- Creative periods: mature period
- Died: 2006
- Gift suitability: other-none
Art Quiz
There is only one correct answer for each question.
early life and career
gordon roger alexander buchanan parks, an american photographer, musician, writer, and film director, was born on november 30, 1912, in fort scott, kansas. he was the youngest of fifteen children to sarah (née ross) and jackson parks. parks' early life was marked by segregation, which he experienced firsthand in his hometown.as a self-taught artist, parks began his career as a photographer, eventually becoming the first african american to work for life and vogue magazines. his iconic photos of poor americans during the 1940s, taken for a federal government project, are a testament to his skill and dedication.
notable works and achievements
- shaft (1971), a film directed by parks, which became a cultural phenomenon.
- the learning tree (1969), a semiautobiographical film that marked parks' directorial debut.
- a choice of weapons (1985), a memoir that showcases parks' writing prowess.
- life magazine's photographic essays, which cemented parks' status as a prominent photojournalist.
museums and collections
- the melvin holmes collection, featuring an extensive collection of parks' work. [https://www.holmesartgallery.com/gordonparks](https://www.holmesartgallery.com/gordonparks)
- moma (the museum of modern art), which has an impressive collection of parks' photographs. [https://www.moma.org/artists/8083](https://www.moma.org/artists/8083)
awards and legacy
- naacp image award (2003)
- pga oscar micheaux award (1993)
- national medal of arts (1988)
- spingarn medal (1972)
gordon parks' legacy extends beyond his impressive body of work, as he paved the way for future generations of african american artists. his contributions to photojournalism, filmmaking, and music continue to inspire and influence artists today.
selected works on ArtsDot.com
- emerging man (gelatin silver print), a powerful photograph showcasing parks' skill. [https://ArtsDot.com/d3xgfc-gordon-parks-emerging-man](https://ArtsDot.com/d3xgfc-gordon-parks-emerging-man)
- portrait of mrs. lucy johnson (gelatin silver print), a poignant portrait that highlights parks' storytelling ability. [https://ArtsDot.com/d4dblu-gordon-parks-portrait-of-mrs-lucy-johnson](https://ArtsDot.com/d4dblu-gordon-parks-portrait-of-mrs-lucy-johnson)
Related Articles
Henry Ossawa Tanner: Pioneering African American Representation in 19th-Century Art
Explore the life and groundbreaking work of Henry Ossawa Tanner, a pioneering African American artist who achieved international acclaim with his deeply spiritual and realistic paintings. Discover his legacy at ArtsDot.
Echoes of Place: Regionalism & American Identity in Interwar Art
Explore the rise of American Regionalism in interwar art! Discover Grant Wood, Thomas Hart Benton & the movement's impact on American identity. Expert analysis & historical context.
Harmonizing Heritage: A Cross-Cultural Approach to Interior Design with Asian, European, and African Art Reproductions
Discover the art of cross-cultural interior design with ArtsDot.com. Explore museum-quality reproductions & expert guidance to create a globally inspired, sophisticated home. Shop now!
