Interesting Facts About Dorothea Lange

Introduction:

Dorothea Lange is one of the most iconic American photographers of the 20th century. Her work during the Great Depression captured the struggles and resilience of the American people like never before. Here are 15 interesting facts about Dorothea Lange that you may not have known.

Fact 1: Early Life and Education

Dorothea Lange was born on May 26, 1895, in Hoboken, New Jersey. She contracted polio at the age of seven, which left her with a limp for the rest of her life. Despite this disability, she went on to study photography at Columbia University in New York City.

Fact 2: Documentary Photography

Lange is best known for her documentary photography, which focused on social issues such as poverty, homelessness, and the effects of the Great Depression. Her images are powerful and moving, often highlighting the struggles of everyday people.

Fact 3: “Migrant Mother”

One of Lange’s most famous photographs is “Migrant Mother,” which she took in 1936. The image features Florence Owens Thompson, a mother of seven, who was struggling to feed her children during the Great Depression. The photograph has since become an iconic symbol of the era.

Fact 4: Japanese Internment Camps

During World War II, Lange was hired by the government to document the internment of Japanese Americans. Her photographs captured the injustice and hardship faced by these individuals, and her work helped to shed light on this dark chapter in American history.

Fact 5: Controversial Censorship

Lange’s photographs of the Japanese internment camps were initially censored by the government, as they were deemed too critical. However, Lange fought to have her work published, believing it was important to show the truth of what was happening.

Fact 6: The Farm Security Administration

Lange worked for the Farm Security Administration during the Great Depression, documenting the living conditions of farmers and migrant workers. Her photographs helped to raise awareness of the struggles faced by these individuals.

Fact 7: Personal Struggles

Despite her success as a photographer, Lange faced many personal struggles throughout her life. She was married twice and had two children, but her work often took her away from her family for extended periods of time.

Fact 8: Later Career

After the Great Depression, Lange continued to work as a photographer, focusing on issues such as the civil rights movement and environmental conservation. Her later work is not as well-known as her earlier photographs but is equally powerful and impactful.

Fact 9: Recognition and Awards

Lange received numerous awards and honors for her work, including a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1941. She was also the first woman to be awarded the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Center of Photography.

Fact 10: Legacy and Influence

Dorothea Lange’s work has had a lasting impact on the field of documentary photography. Her images continue to inspire photographers and artists around the world, and her influence can be seen in the work of contemporary photographers.

Fact 11: The Lange Family

Dorothea Lange’s second husband, Paul Taylor, was an economist and social reformer who collaborated with her on many of her projects. Their son, Daniel Dixon Lange Taylor, also became a photographer and carried on his mother’s legacy.

Fact 12: Retrospectives and Exhibitions

Lange’s work has been the subject of numerous retrospectives and exhibitions, both during her lifetime and posthumously. These exhibitions have helped to bring her work to a wider audience and ensure that her legacy endures.

Fact 13: The Dorothea Lange Collection

The Dorothea Lange Collection is housed at the Oakland Museum of California and includes over 25,000 negatives, prints, and personal memorabilia. The collection is a valuable resource for researchers and scholars interested in Lange’s life and work.

Fact 14: Beyond Photography

In addition to her photography, Lange was also a skilled writer and lecturer. She often wrote about her experiences in the field and gave talks on social issues and the power of photography to effect change.

Fact 15: Lasting Impact

Dorothea Lange passed away on October 11, 1965, but her legacy lives on through her photographs and the impact they continue to have on society. Her work serves as a reminder of the power of art to speak truth to power and inspire change.

Conclusion

Dorothea Lange was a pioneering photographer whose work continues to resonate with audiences today. Her powerful images of the Great Depression and other social issues have left an indelible mark on the history of photography and serve as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Through her lens, Lange captured the essence of the American experience and gave voice to those who were often overlooked. Her work is a reminder of the importance of bearing witness to the world around us and using art as a tool for social change.