ABOUT

Walker Evans (1903-1975) was one of the most important American photographers of the 20th century. His photographs of America in crisis during the 1930s, his projects published in Fortune magazine in the following decades, and his "documentary style" have influenced generations of photographers and artists.

Thematically structured, this monograph highlights the photographer’s fascination with distinctly American subjects such as roadside shacks, storefronts, and the faces of anonymous individuals. This approach to Evans' work provides a deeper understanding of its core essence: a passionate exploration of the fundamental characteristics of American vernacular culture.

Bringing together the finest prints from major public and private collections, the book also gives significant space to objects collected by Walker Evans throughout his life, including postcards, signs, and various graphic ephemera. Through more than 400 reproductions and essays by international specialists, it offers a fresh perspective on this major body of work in the history of photography.