Walker Evans was born on November 3rd, 1903

Written by: Sofia Garcia

Walker Evans, an American photographer and photojournalist, is renowned for his poignant documentation of the Great Depression, capturing the lives of ordinary Americans struggling to survive amidst the economic turmoil of the 1930s. His iconic black-and-white photographs, taken for the Resettlement Administration and the Farm Security Administration (FSA), humanized the plight of the disadvantaged, earning him a revered place in the pantheon of American photographers.

Born on November 3, 1903, in St. Louis, Missouri, to an affluent family, Evans' early life was marked by comfort and privilege. However, his fascination with French literature and his time spent in the Public Library's map room would later influence his photographic style, characterized by a keen sense of observation and reverence for the human experience.

Eugène Atget and August Sander. His early photographs, including a series of Victorian houses in the Boston vicinity, sponsored by Lincoln Kirstein, showcased his attention to detail and knack for storytelling.

George Eastman Museum. His images have been acquired by numerous museums, ensuring their continued relevance and importance in the realm of American cultural heritage. As a testament to his influence, many photographers, including Diane Arbus and Lee Friedlander, have cited Evans as a source of inspiration.

John Cheever, Hart Crane, and Lincoln Kirstein reflect the artistic and intellectual circles he frequented. His personal life was marked by a quiet introspection, which he often channeled into his photography.

"Many Are Called" (1946) - a series of subway portraits

"Let Us Now Praise Famous Men" (1941) - a collaboration with writer James Agee

"American Photographs" (1938) - his first solo exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art

Timeline

1903

Born in St. Louis

Walker Evans was born on November 3rd in St. Louis, Missouri. He would go on to become a renowned American photographer and journalist.

1926

Moved to New York City

Evans moved to New York City, where he would begin his career as a photographer and journalist.

1935

Documented Great Depression

Evans documented the Great Depression, capturing iconic images of rural America during a time of great hardship.

1945

Published Many Are Called

Evans published Many Are Called, a book of photographs that explored the lives of ordinary people in New York City.

1975

Passed Away

Walker Evans passed away on April 10th, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneering American photographer and journalist.

Walker Evans Quiz

Walker Evans is best known for his photographs of

everyday American life

• celebrity portraits
• everyday American life
• landscapes
• still-life compositions

What is a characteristic of Walker Evans' photographic style?

direct and unromanticized

• soft focus and dreamy
• highly stylized and posed
• direct and unromanticized
• vibrant and colorful

Walker Evans' work often captured the essence of

the Great Depression and post-war era

• the Great Depression and post-war era
• the Industrial Revolution
• the Roaring Twenties
• the American West

Walker Evans was known to use a

35mm camera

• polaroid camera
• 35mm camera
• medium-format camera
• large-format camera

Walker Evans' photographs often conveyed a sense of

poverty and struggle

• urban decay
• poverty and struggle
• wealth and opulence
• rural tranquility

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FAQ

What were the major themes in Walker Evans photography?

Walker Evans photography explored themes of American culture, architecture, and landscape, as well as the lives of ordinary people. He was particularly interested in documenting everyday life and the urban environment.

How did Walker Evans photography influence the development of documentary photography?

Walker Evans photography had a significant impact on the development of documentary photography, as he pioneered a more direct and unromanticized approach to capturing reality.

What was Walker Evans role in the Farm Security Administration?

Walker Evans worked as a photographer for the Farm Security Administration (FSA) during the 1930s, documenting the lives of rural Americans and the impact of the Great Depression on the country.

How did Walker Evans collaboration with James Agee shape his photographic style?

Walker Evans collaboration with James Agee on the book Let Us Now Praise Famous Men (1941) influenced his photographic style, as he adopted a more nuanced and compassionate approach to documenting human subjects.

What is Walker Evans legacy in American photography?

Walker Evans legacy in American photography is that of a pioneering artist who explored new ways of documenting reality and capturing the essence of American culture.

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