Gordon Parks: No Excuses
Grade 3-6–Growing up during segregation did not stop Parks from determinedly pursuing a career in photography. What a white boy can do, you can too–and no excuses, his mother told him. His photographs seem to reflect extremes: haut-couture in Paris, poverty in Brazil, gang wars in Harlem, Civil Rights leaders, and more. The shadows in his photos and expressive low-lighting are entrancing, and it should be no surprise that he was employed byLifemagazine for many years. This brief biography and cross section of his photography portfolio are interrupted with sketches that attempt to fill in the gaps when images of Parks did not exist. Though respectably detailed and realistic, they are stiff and awkward when coupled with Parks's stunning work. The sincerity within the photos of this recently deceased artist and the simple text tell a story of belief in oneself and strength to prevail over adversity.–Jodi Kearns, University of Akron, OHCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.