All Of It Podcast Summary: "Ralph Ellison the Photographer at The Gordon Parks Foundation"

Host: Alison Stewart
Guest: Michal Ras Russo, Program Director at the Gordon Parks Foundation
Release Date: January 6, 2025
Episode Focus: Exhibition of Ralph Ellison's photography at the Gordon Parks Foundation Gallery

Introduction

In this episode of All Of It, host Alison Stewart delves into the multifaceted artistry of Ralph Ellison, renowned primarily for his literary masterpiece, Invisible Man. The focus shifts to Ellison's lesser-known work as a photographer, highlighted in a curated exhibition at the Gordon Parks Foundation Gallery. This exhibition not only showcases Ellison's photographic endeavors from the 1940s but also explores his collaborative relationship with the illustrious photographer and filmmaker, Gordon Parks.

Ralph Ellison's Photography in the 1940s

Alison Stewart introduces the exhibition by emphasizing Ellison's transition from the written word to the lens of a camera. She notes that Ellison's photographs from the 1940s capture vibrant scenes of Harlem life, including bustling sidewalks, playgrounds filled with children, and the iconic New York City skylines. A poignant moment is Ellison's letter to his friend Albert Murray, where he states, "you know me. I have to have something between me and reality when I'm dealing with it most intensely" (00:17). This sentiment underscores Ellison's use of photography as a medium to process and represent his experiences.

Collaboration with Gordon Parks

Michal Ras Russo explains that the exhibition originated in 2020 when the Gordon Parks Foundation acquired approximately 100 of Ellison's photographs from a private collection. These works date back to the 1940s, a period when Ellison and Parks were both active in New York's artistic circles. Russo highlights the mutual mentorship between the two artists, with Parks influencing Ellison's photographic techniques and Ellison inspiring Parks to integrate writing with photography.

The "Document and Symbol" Manifesto

A significant aspect of their collaboration was Ellison's "Pictorial Problem" manifesto, a letter to Gordon Parks where Ellison challenges Parks to create photographs that serve as both document and symbol (04:35). This philosophy aimed to transcend mere illustration, enabling images and text to enhance each other’s impact. Russo elaborates on how their joint photographic excursions in Harlem resulted in a symbiotic creation process, where both artists influenced the visual and thematic elements of their work.

Ellison's Evolution as a Photographer

The conversation shifts to Ellison's broader photographic journey. Russo notes that while the exhibition focuses on the 1940s, Ellison's archived work at the Library of Congress spans multiple decades, reflecting his evolving artistic expression. After a devastating fire in 1967 destroyed much of his second novel manuscript, Ellison's photography became more introspective, utilizing Polaroid cameras to document his immediate environment in Manhattan. This shift mirrors his personal struggles and the introspective turn in his literary pursuits.

Professional Photography Work

Ellison's foray into professional photography is detailed through invoices found in the Library of Congress archives. These documents reveal Ellison's diverse assignments, including artist portraits for book covers, copy photography for museums, and even documenting automobile accidents. This period of freelance work lasted approximately two to three years until Ellison returned to his writing and personal projects.

Side by Side Exhibition with Gordon Parks

Russo underscores the importance of displaying Ellison's and Parks' works side by side in the exhibition. This arrangement highlights the reciprocal influence they had on each other and emphasizes the collaborative spirit of the era's artistic networks. By showcasing their photographs together, the exhibition celebrates the intertwined legacies of both artists and their contributions to challenging and redefining visual and literary narratives.

Legacy and Creative Networks

A pivotal moment in the discussion is the inclusion of a 1990 interview clip with Gordon Parks, where he reflects on his motivations for photography: "I wanted some way or another to express my indignation toward intolerance and discrimination that I had suffered in Kansas" (15:12). This quote encapsulates the shared ethos between Parks and Ellison—using art as a tool for social commentary and change. Russo emphasizes that their collaboration was rooted in a mutual desire to innovate and challenge existing representations in mass media, laying the groundwork for future generations of artists.

Upcoming Events at Gordon Parks Foundation

Before concluding, Michal Ras Russo highlights the ongoing and upcoming activities at the Gordon Parks Foundation. She mentions regular exhibitions featuring fellows and prize winners, as well as archival showcases. Additionally, the foundation's annual gala on May 20th will honor artists working at the intersection of art and social justice. Russo invites listeners to engage with the foundation’s programs and visit their headquarters in Pleasantville, accessible via a short train ride from New York City.

Conclusion

Alison Stewart wraps up the episode by reiterating the significance of the Ralph Ellison Photographer exhibition, which runs through February 7th at the Gordon Parks Foundation Gallery. She encourages listeners to explore the rich cultural tapestry depicted in Ellison's photographs and to appreciate the enduring legacy of his collaboration with Gordon Parks.

Notable Quotes:

• Ralph Ellison to Albert Murray: "you know me. I have to have something between me and reality when I'm dealing with it most intensely" (00:17).
• Ellison's manifesto: "create photographs that act as both document and symbol" (04:35).
• Gordon Parks on his motivation: "I wanted some way or another to express my indignation toward intolerance and discrimination that I had suffered in Kansas" (15:12).

This episode of All Of It offers a profound exploration of Ralph Ellison's photographic work, shedding light on his collaborative relationship with Gordon Parks and the lasting impact of their artistic innovations. Whether you're familiar with Ellison's literature or new to his photography, the episode provides a comprehensive and engaging overview of his contributions to American culture.