Lee Friedlander American photographer Date of Birth: 14.07.1934 Country: USA

1. Lee Friedlander: An American Icon of Photography
2. Early Life and Artistic Training
3. Artistic Breakthrough and Guggenheim Grant
4. Social Landscape and City Life
5. "America by Car"
6. Later Career and Collaborations

Lee Friedlander: An American Icon of Photography

Lee Friedlander (born 1934) is widely regarded as one of the most influential and significant American photographers of the 20th century.

Early Life and Artistic Training

Friedlander studied photography at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. In 1956, he moved to New York City, where he began documenting jazz musicians, often featured on album covers. His early influences included Eugene Atget, Robert Frank, and Walker Evans.

Artistic Breakthrough and Guggenheim Grant

In 1960, Friedlander received a grant from the Guggenheim Memorial Foundation, allowing him to focus solely on his art. His early work included black-and-white nudes of Madonna (1970s) and photographs for Playboy (1980s). Notably, Friedlander's photographs have appreciated significantly in value over time, with one selling for $37,500 at a Christie's auction in 2009.

Social Landscape and City Life

Friedlander's primary subject has always been the social landscape, capturing the urban environment and its inhabitants. His first major exhibition was held at the International Museum of Photography in 1963. He became a central figure in the "New Documents" exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in 1967 and received the Rencontres d'Arles festival prize in 1973.

"America by Car"

Friedlander's iconic "America by Car" series, created over 15 years, documents the American landscape as seen through his car window. Initially presented at Fraenkel Gallery, the series was later exhibited at the Whitney Museum of American Art in 2010. While some critics dismissed this work as "propaganda for the sedentary life," Friedlander emphasized the car and road as symbols of American society.

Later Career and Collaborations

Friedlander is an accomplished author of photo books, many of which have become bestsellers. His work often incorporates a bold combination of photography and graphic elements. In recent years, mobility issues have confined him to his home, where he continues to photograph his immediate surroundings.

Friedlander maintains a close friendship with fellow photography legend Garry Winogrand, dating back to the 1960s. He has two children: son Erik, a renowned cellist, and daughter Anna.