In the early 1960s, Danny Lyon traveled across the US South working as a photographer for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. Lyon placed himself in the middle of action to create images that are now emblematic the Civil Rights Movement. Sixty years later, the ethos of the movement still resonates through these photographs. In their contemporary context, they also raise questions on the nature of representation and the social and political implications of the image. This exhibition challenges the oft-assumed objective position of the lens in history, instead exploring the camera (and cameraman) as a participant and observer, equally illuminating, and exposing moments of conflict, rest, sadness, and joy as captured by Danny Lyon. To learn more about Danny Lyon visit Bleakbeauty.com, or on IG at Dannylyonphotos2.
Curated by Ama Kyereme
Curatorial Intern for the Archive of Documentary Arts
