Visit to "The Americans" exhibit

Although I've been to many art museums throughout my life, I don't think I've ever gone with the specific intention of viewing a photographer's exhibit. I really enjoyed our visit to the National Gallery in D.C., as it gave me a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to not only see a famous photographer's work but also get a personalized tour from the curators of the show. I'm also really glad that I saw this exhibit after learning about and experiencing photography in a photography class. I think it was much more meaningful to me to view Frank's work from the perspective of someone who understands even just the basics of photography than it would have been otherwise. I was able to appreciate the photographs as more than just "pretty pictures" which is how I may have viewed them before taking this class.

In terms of the exhibit itself, I really love the perspective Frank took in his portrayal of America and American people. He was an innovator and decided to take a more realistic approach by photographing "real" people rather than the glitz and glamor of American life. I wish more artists would take this perspective even today, especially in the media. I'm glad Frank took the initiative and fought for the value of his artwork. I greatly admire his work and am grateful to have been given the opportunity to see it first-hand.