Early Modern: Dorothea Lange
Toward Los Angeles, California, 1937
Dorothea Lange was an amazing photographer who captured both beautifully artistic and journalistically informative photographs. Her photograph Toward Los Angeles, California, 1937 is a prime example. In the picture two migrant workers are depicted hiking to California along a dusty, empty road, alongside which can be seen a billboard with the phrase “Next time try the train. Relax”, above an illustration of a man in a reclining chair (Yahoo! Inc.). She captures the hardships of the Great Depression so artistically and yet realistically in this photograph. The contrast between the two focuses of the photograph—the migrant workers walking all the way to California and the billboard advertising comfort—play off of each other so well. Her photograph is almost satirical in this way; the billboard is almost a sick joke as the men face an empty country still yet to cross on foot in the hope of actually finding some comfort at the end of their journey.
Lange’s photograph Toward Los Angeles, California, 1937 was actually photographed under the employment of the Farm Security Administration in March of 1937 (Yahoo! Inc.). Her intentions were specifically to highlight the misfortunes of migrants and Americans during the Great Depression, in the hope of encouraging others to try and improve the awful conditions of the 1930s (Library of Congress). I think Toward Los Angeles, California, 1937 is wonderfully done and inspiring.
I personally appreciate the somewhat dark humor associated with this photograph because it so effectively gets across the idea of desperation. These people have no option other than to walk to California because things are really that bad. I’m also drawn to this photograph in particular because the scenery reminds me of the stories my grandparents told me about their experiences during the Great Depression and the photographs they took themselves at the time as well. Having heard their stories makes Lange’s picture even more amazing to me.
References:
Library of Congress. (2009). Dorothea Lange. http://www.americaslibrary.gov/cgi-bin/page.cgi/aa/lange
Yahoo! Inc. (2009). Dorothea Lange: Toward Los Angeles, California, 1937. http://www.flickr.com/photos/trialsanderrors/2891351477/
Picture:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3168/2891351477_527fbb52e3.jpg
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I enjoyed reading your blog. It was very informative and you did a great job connecting it to the Great Depression. I also think you did a great job on explaining what you saw in the picture as well. The connection you gave about your Grandparents stories and the picture gave me a greater sense of reality when I look at the picture. I also see the irony in the billboard and the men having to walk to California. I am sure if they would have been able to afford the train ticket, it would have been a far more enjoyable and relaxing journey than having to walk that great distance. Great job on your blog!
The Great Depression was such troubling time for most people in the US. It is wonderful that we had a president with enough insight to see the importance of the continuation of artistic expression even in such dire times. I also see the dark humor in the the contrasting depiction of the man in the recliner and the walking migrants. The irony of the photo us so obviuous and sad, but at the same time it shows that even through hardships, there is hope, and there can still me a future. The photo is inspiring and depressing at the same time. You did a very good job describing your reaction to this photo and I agree whole heatedly with your analysis. DO you think this photo might have been staged? It’s so perfect that I can’t help but think it might have been. If it was a though out photo is the meaning of the photo compromised?
I love the picture you chose for this assignment, and your interpretation of the piece. Dorothea Lange was an excellent photographer and her pictures are vivid reminders of the Great Depression. I also appreciate the dark humor of the piece, and appreciate the message it conveys. Someone once told me we are all just one major event away from poverty, and in light of the recent recession, times such as the Great Depression can be related to. Great connection and reflection!
This painting reminds me of the movie “The Wizard” when two boys, considered runaways, are headed west to California. I don’t know much about Dorothea Lange so thanks for the insight. I can imagine the interpretation of the photograph. I kind of had my own interpretation but really who cares!? I see Lange’s view of the photograph and can only imagine the times of the early modern era. I don’t think I would’ve want to live in those times. Thanks for the post.
I appreciate the dark humor of this picture, as well. It seems like more and more advertisements are going this direction these days. You included a lot of accurate information about both the photo and the artist which was great, and the connection to the Great Depression is clear. Awesome post.