This richly illustrated exploration of six postwar photographers, alongside their predecessors and contemporaries, captures a pivotal moment in American photographic history. The aftermath of World War II marked a new era of artistic expression, with movements like Abstract Expressionism and Beat poetry emerging as responses to the war's harsh realities. Creative photographers also reacted, breaking conventional techniques to depict their experiences. This companion volume to an exhibition highlights six influential photographers from that time: Lisette Model's candid portrayal of urban life; Louis Faurer's eccentric portraits in Times Square; Ted Croner's haunting night scenes; Saul Leiter's evocative snapshots of daily existence; William Klein's graphic confrontations; and Robert Frank's critical lens on American ideals. Their beautifully reproduced works convey the emotional depth of postwar life in America. An essay by Lisa Hostetler delves into the aesthetic revolution following the war, emphasizing spontaneity and subjective interpretation as guiding principles for these photographers. Additionally, the volume includes a timeline, brief biographies, and a bibliography, making it a valuable resource on mid-century photography's most influential figures.
