Photography and German Expressionism

Gordon Parks: The Making of an Argument explores acclaimed photographer Gordon Parks' first photographic essay for Life magazine in 1948, "Harlem Gang Leader."

The exhibition traces the editorial process behind the production of the photo essay with vintage photographs, original issues of Life, contact sheets, and proof prints. It also raises important questions about photography as a documentary tool and a narrative device, its role in addressing social concerns, and its function in the world of publishing.

Playing It Forward: German Expressionism to Expressionism Today, features work acquired by the Faulconer Gallery from the collection of John L. and Roslyn Bakst Goldman of Rochester, New York. Since the Faulconer Gallery acquired the prints in 2001, the Goldmans have assembled a new collection of prints by international contemporary artists.

This exhibition will feature the print collections side-by-side, demonstrating the Goldmans' continued interests in cutting-edge printmaking and their fidelity to Expressionist ideals, including a wide variety of printing processes, masterful technique and challenging subject matter.

"The Parks and German Expressionism exhibitions feature artists confronting the issues of the world around them," says Daniel Strong, associate director and curator of exhibitions at the Faulconer Gallery. "While they are separate exhibitions, they speak to similar issues, and both align with Grinnell's commitment to social justice."

Strong curated Playing It Forward: German Expressionism to Expressionism Today while Gordon Parks: The Making of an Argument was curated by Russell Lord, Freeman Family Curator of Photographs at the New Orleans Museum of Art, in collaboration with The Gordon Parks Foundation.

In addition to the opening reception, numerous free public events will be held at the Falconer Gallery during the two exhibitions, which will run through March 15.