Joel Sternfeld, New Jersey, (#26), May/June 1980 Pigment Print 21.5 x 32.5 cm. All images courtesy of the artist, Luhring Augustine, New York and Buchmann Galerie, Berlin
Tomorrow, 14th March 2014, will see the opening of major Americana photographer Joel Sternfeld exhibiting his early and major body of work “First Pictures” at Buchmann Galerie Berlin – an exciting chance to see the beginnings of an established and accomplished photographer of our time.
More than three decades has passed since Sternfeld’s photographs of his travels in America between 1971 and 1980 were taken, shining examples of the first American colour documentary photography, and oozing a real vision of life living in America. From the beaches to the streets to the road trips and the over-sized shopping malls, Sternfeld managed to capture the essence of American society in the Seventies, its diversity and complexity, with a sense of humour and always with a critical narrative eye.
Dealing with social, political, and ecological themes with every click of the shutter, the photos should not only be seen as an exciting starting point of a photographer who became one of the most talked about contemporary documentary photographers of today, but also as an exquisite example of the power of photography.
“First Pictures” by Joel Sternfeld will be on display at Buchmann Galerie Berlin from 14th March – 26th April 2014. A finissage with Joel Sternfeld present will take place on 25 April, 7-9 pm.