Eggleston is a Tennessee native that spent most of his pre-adult life living in the South. He attended various universities, including the prestigious Vanderbilt University, but never gained an actual degree. Eggleston is considered one of the most influential American Artists, and is widely accepted as the person who helped secure color photography as a legitimate artisitc medium. His saturated photos have amazed millions around the world, and his continuation of portraying the symbols of America (good or bad) continue to inspire many.
Below, is my one of my favorite pieces that he has done - Sumner, Mississippi, 1972.
The position of the driver and the "master" are so exquisite in this piece. Spacially, it is amazing. It shows the tensions with race relations during this time period. You have both men, looking un-hostile and respective of one another - equal per se. But, however, looking at this one can feel the tension, see a sort of paternalism from the White male to the Black male, and feel that the White male is dominating the Black individual. Also, I feel that the Chevy in the back laces the photograph with just the right amount of Americanism/Capitalism, but thats me just digging. Eggleston's work stretches from the 40's till present day. His work captures a hostile and dangerous time in the South with grace and a level of poeticism. His visuals capture the past, and allow the narratives within the pieces to transcend time and become relevant in the now. I highly recommend checking his pieces out very soon.
William Eggleston Democratic Camera, Photographs and Video, 1961 - 2008.
February 27 - May 23, 2010 at the Art Institute Chicago
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