Self-Portrait
1941
Artist, American, 1912 - 2006
Gordon Parks wants us to know he’s a photographer. He was 28 years old and just starting his career when he made this self-portrait. Look at the way he holds his camera level with his head, as if it’s part of his identity. Parks used photographs, and later film, to fight against the racism he experienced all his life. Despite the obstacles he encountered, this self-taught artist became a successful photographer, contributing images to Life, Vogue, and Ebony magazines.
Artwork overview
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Medium
gelatin silver print
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Credit Line
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Dimensions
image/sheet: 50.4 × 40.8 cm (19 13/16 × 16 1/16 in.)
mount: 70.2 × 55.3 cm (27 5/8 × 21 3/4 in.) -
Accession
2021.61.1
Artwork history & notes
Provenance
Gordon Parks, New York; Charles White, Chicago, before 1942; by descent to his daughter, Jessica White; NGA purchase, 2021.
Associated Names
Inscriptions
signed by artist, lower left in white ink: To my good friend / and fine artist best / wishes. Gordon Roger Parks