Lee Friedlander's prolific collection of photographs displayed at the SFMOMA captures what he calls the "American social landscape" with style and humor. In the 50's he was photographer for Atlantic records and had many of his famous photographs up. I loved this one of Aretha Franklin - she has such an expressive face to match her soulful voice. R-E-S-P-E-C-T.Friedlander took tons of photos (as we all do!) while visiting various towns across the country, I know I am such a tourist wherever I go! There are four photographs that hang in proximity when you first walk to the left from the stairs that show people in crowded bars - in what seem like random shots taken over the heads while waiting for a drink, but there is much more to it than that. Even if there were no sign telling me where the photo was taken (NY, LA, Alabama, some new england state) you can tell exactly where he was by the obvious markers, clothes/hair style - but even their expressions, gestures and stances exude environmental clues as to where they live. Maybe it is a cliched way to view them, but they rang true to me. My personal favorite was the bar scene in Alabama, done-up women with their teased bleached hair and scrunchies. Oh, the horrible scrunchies I used to wear!
I also loved his self portraits and the way that he forms these compositions where there is a picture in a picture, so you are not always too sure what the focus of the photo is, usually calling attention to himself in the photos in some estranged way. I guess it is hard to be both apart and a part of your work.
There was one with his wife standing bare breasted in what looked like a hotel room. His shadow from the light coming through the window, blocks her nakedness covering her, making her feel safe. I liked that.
Friedlander's work can be seen at the MOMA until May 18th, 2008. Check it out!
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