It was interesting to see a photography exhibit at the Brandywine Museum of Art. “Robert Frank and Todd Webb: Across America, 1955” ran from February 09, 2025 to May 08, 2025. I made a point of seeing it before it left.
More details about the exhibit can be found at the Museum’s website. In 1955, two photographers, Robert Frank and Todd Webb, received separate fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation for U.S. survey projects. The exhibit includes over 100 photographs from these fellowships.
This is the type of documentary-like photographic work that I find interesting. Webb stated that he wished to “depict vanishing Americana and what is taking place” – sentiments in line with what I am trying to achieve with this blog. Much of the small town and rural landscape continues to be eaten up by development, and documenting this moment in time is very important.
I ended up recording a lot more of Webb’s work, which is better composed and exposed compared to the grainy, off-kilter work of Frank. Frank’s work is, however, better known and often depicts the grittier side of American life. Webb’s work has more of a nostalgic, Rockwell-like feel. The works encompass photos from Portland, Maine to New York City to San Francisco and everywhere in between. I was pleasantly surprised to find several work depicting Pennsylvania by Webb. If you can find a catalog, several other shots taken in the state are included.
Apologies for the light blub reflections here. I am still getting used to some new photo processing software. I have just done some cropping and straightening of camera phone photos.
Now, for some fun. Here are some of my favorite pieces from the Museum.
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