The Untold Story of Gordon Parks' "American Gothic"

Apr 29

Written By Martin

Gordon Parks, a trailblazing African American photographer, is known for his compelling images that document the lives of Black Americans during the 20th century. His work, inspired by Depression-era photographers like Dorothea Lange and Walker Evans, has left an indelible mark on the world of photography. In this article, we explore the captivating story behind one of Parks' most iconic images, "American Gothic," and its journey to publication.

Meeting Ella Watson: While working for the Farm Security Administration (FSA), Parks encountered Ella Watson, an African American woman employed as a cleaner in Washington D.C. Fascinated by her story, Parks decided to document her life, taking 90 photographs of her in total. One of these images, however, would stand out from the rest.

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Gordon Parks

"I picked up a camera because it was my choice of weapons against what I hated most about the universe: racism, intolerance, poverty."

The Creation of "American Gothic": Inspired by Grant Wood's painting of the same name, Parks staged a photograph of Watson standing in front of an American flag. The flag, slightly out of focus, symbolized the irony of patriotism in a society that denied African Americans their equal rights. Watson's defiant expression conveyed her resilience in the face of inequality and injustice.

A Controversial Image: When Parks showed "American Gothic" to FSA head Roy Stryker, he was warned that its publication could cost them their jobs. As the FSA was a government agency, the provocative image was considered too controversial. Despite being taken in 1942, the photo remained unpublished until 1948, when Parks became the first Black staff photographer at LIFE magazine.

Legacy of Gordon Parks: Throughout his six-decade career, Parks used his camera as a weapon against racism, intolerance, and poverty. His work gained prominence during the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s, shedding light on the experiences of Black Americans and challenging societal norms.

If you are interested in learning more about Gordon Parks and his work, check out the following book:

"Gordon Parks: A Harlem Family 1967" by Gordon Parks and Thelma Golden – This book offers a closer look at the life and work of Parks, showcasing his unique ability to capture the essence of Black American life through his lens.