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Robert Frank , (Nov 9, 1924–Sept 9, 2019)

It's Wonderful to be Alive, Mabou

1971
24 in. x 31 1/2 in. (60.96 cm x 80.01 cm)

Medium and Support: lithograph on rag paper

Credit Line: museum purchase

Accession Number: 1994.2.6

Commentary

Made during his now famous trip across America that resulted in the seminal series The Americans, Robert Frank’s piercing image of a souvenir shop at Hoover Dam (not included in the series) was made with the clarity of an outsider looking in. In a single image the Swiss photographer offers a succinct and insightful commentary on our changing and often conflicting attitudes toward the American West. The three cards—a view of the Grand Canyon, a photograph of the Hoover Dam, and an image of an atomic mushroom cloud—tell a complex narrative of terrain as dramatic wilderness, commodified touristic view, icon of technological achievement, source of power for human consumption, and military testing ground. A study guide of sorts to the uses of western land, Frank’s image is an indictment of human progress.

Exhibition List

This object was included in the following exhibitions:

Expanded Visions: The Panoramic Photograph Addison Gallery of American Art , 1/17/1998 - 4/5/1998
Contemplating the View: American Landscape Photographs Addison Gallery of American Art , 9/8/2018 - 3/3/2019

Related Parent(s) Click a record to view

Portfolio
1994.2.1-6

Related Siblings(s) Click a record to view

Image of A Monument to Electricity and Photography, Mabou

A Monument to Electricity and Photography, Mabou
1994.2.1

Mailbox, Mabou, Winter
1994.2.2

Seeing Swine-Good Fortune Awaiting You, Mabou
1994.2.3

Image of In Mabou, Wonderful Time with June

In Mabou, Wonderful Time with June
1994.2.4

Another World, Mabou
1994.2.5

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