| The Realisms of Berenice Abbott: Documentary Photography and Political Action Volume 2 Contributor(s): Weissman, Terri (Author) |
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ISBN: 0520266757 ISBN-13: 9780520266759 Publisher: University of California Press OUR PRICE: $84.15 Product Type: Hardcover - Other Formats Published: January 2011 |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Art | American - General - Art | History - Modern (late 19th Century To 1945) |
| Dewey: 070.49 |
| LCCN: 2010012579 |
| Series: Phillips Book Prize |
| Physical Information: 0.9" H x 7.2" W x 10.1" (1.85 lbs) 264 pages |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: The Realisms of Berenice Abbott provides the first in-depth consideration of the work of photographer Berenice Abbott. Though best known for her 1930s documentary images of New York City, this book examines a broad range of Abbott's work--including portraits from the 1920s, little known and uncompleted projects from the 1930s, and experimental science photography from the 1950s. It argues that Abbott consistently relied on realism as the theoretical armature for her work, even as her understanding of that term changed over time and in relation to specific historical circumstances. But as Weissman demonstrates, Abbott's unflinching commitment to "realist" aesthetics led her to develop a critical theory of documentary that recognizes the complexity of representation without excluding or obscuring a connection between art and engagement in the political public sphere. In telling Abbott's story, The Realisms of Berenice Abbott reveals insights into the politics and social context of documentary production and presents a thoughtful analysis of why documentary remains a compelling artistic strategy today. |
