“These movements fostered artists to examine the exclusionary character of the art world itself, and many artists who had been excluded from the mainstream art world founded alternative spaces, community centres, workshops, and collectives,” says Nelson.
“Photography’s engagement with social issues was still very powerful, what was changing was who stood behind the camera,” she continues. “Taking up the camera, engaging with photography, was a way to work outside of the established art world that had marginalised many people. It was a way to express new ideas and record actions that were breaking down conventional notions of what art could be.”
The ’70s Lens: Reimagining Documentary Photography is on view through April 6, 2025, at the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C.
Miss Rosen is a freelance arts and photography writer, follow her on X.
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