Joe Schwartz
Description
"When not impinged on by prejudiced home atmospheres, communicating humans, young and old, of various races and national origins of engaged in shared
...
activities, showing healthy attitudes despite poor environmental conditions."
This apparently casual comment by Joe Schwartz aptly captures the essence of his lifes work as a documentary photographer and immediately distinguishes him among the many photographers whose works have been grouped under the rubric of the legendary Photo League, the politically progressive organization of amateurs and professional photographers that flourished in New York from 1936 to 1951. Photo League photographers shared a commitment to portraying the lives of Americas working people in their urban environment, and these commitments often extended to the realistic portrayal of African-Americans as well. Joes loving depictions of street scenes and neighborhood life certainly fall within this genre. But none of these photographers portrayed African-Americans as an integral feature of their environment that is to say, in integrated settings with greater depth or passion than Joe Schwartz.
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