Guggenheim 737--Iowa City, Iowa to Chicago 1956

Robert Frank made this photographic work, Guggenheim 737--Iowa City, Iowa to Chicago, using a 35mm camera and black and white film. The film strip itself becomes the object, a sequence of images offering a glimpse into Frank’s journey. Photography, as a medium, democratized image-making. No longer was it the sole preserve of trained painters. The camera enabled anyone to capture and reproduce the world around them. Frank’s choice of black and white film and his raw, snapshot aesthetic underscore the gritty realities of American life. The images are a mix of everyday scenes: roadside signs, people at leisure, and urban landscapes. The film strip format further emphasizes the passage of time and the fleeting nature of these captured moments. Consider the labor involved, not only in the act of taking the photographs but also in the developing and printing processes. These steps, often hidden, are integral to the final artwork. By presenting the film strip, Frank reveals the mechanics of his craft and the social context in which it was produced. This invites us to question the value and meaning we assign to both the image and its means of production.