Mary Ellen Mark: An American Odyssey 1963-1999

This is yet another in a spectacular series of Phaidon 55 books devoted to some of the most important photographers of our time. This terse volume on Mary Ellen Mark's work includes all of her major documentary photography essays, ranging from her landmark series on homeless teens in Seattle, featuring Tiny, the waifish prostitute she'd befriend, to circus performers in India and Mexico. Indeed her work truly demonstrates her strong interest and compassion for people, depicting homeless Americans, Irish Tinkers (Gypsies) and India's impoverished masses with much interest and empathy for each of her subjects. This splendid book truly captures the immense breadth and depth of Ms. Mark's work. For years I have greatly admire her work and am pleased that some of her finest images are available now in this inexpensive book. Photographer and writer Charles Hagen has a superb introductory essay on Ms. Mark and her career. Without question, this fine volume is an exceptional introduction to Mary Ellen Mark and her critically acclaimed documentary photography.

I read about the Phaidon 55S series in Popular Photography and thought I would check out the volume on Mary Ellen Mark. I have been drawn to her photographs for years and had recently seen an exhibition of her work in NYC. She has Walker Evan's gift for capturing moments in people's lives and she finds the life beyond the smile or grimace of the subject.Her subjects are lively and a bit wicked at times, but there is supreme truth in her photographs. This series gets its title from the fact that each book has 55 photos by the subject. The price is excellent for someone who wants to collect some great art for a low price. Great introduction to a talented artist....highly recommended.

Summary: These black-and-white images are produced on wonderful paper and with great quality. They explore the underlying human qualities we all share. The work is introduced by a Maya Angelou poem, and is concluded by an excellent essay in which Ms. Mark explains her work. Her subjects are mostly people of the economic and social underclasses as they pursue their hopes and dreams, while dealing with their day-to-day problems. Viewing these photographs will draw you closer to people who, on the surface, are quite different from you. The models are often captured over time and in alternative settings to help explain their lives and personalities. Content Caution: The images in this book contain a few involving minor female nudity that would earn its contents an R rating if it were a motion picture. Review: "I note the obvious differencesin the human family."" . . . but we are more alike, my friends,than we are unalike." -- Maya AngelouThe theme of this poem nicely captures the focus of this book of loving photographic images. As Ms. Mark says, "I much prefer to photograph people I care about." She wants to "build a rapport with my subjects." In studying them, "I am guided by what moves and surprises me." That final element will affect you as well. Too often, we mentally pass by those around us. Ms. Mark's images make us want to reach out with our hearts and minds. The book shows people from all parts of America over the period from 1963 through 1999. The photographs portray all kinds of races, creeds, colors, and political and sexual persuasions. Ideas that you may not like are portrayed involving people you will probably find appealing. That juxtaposition of people and issues will cause you to rethink how you relate to others. It will probably make you more modest and humble, and that's good. Special themes involve the mentally ill, twins, homelessness, beauty contests, political rallies, and families over time. My favorite images in the book are as follows:Santa Claus at Lunch, New York City, 1963;Marky Mark concert, Jersey City, New Jersey, 1993;Hot Tub, West Orange, New Jersey, 1999;Bodybuilder, Daytona Beach, Florida, 1991;Russell, Kansas, 1986;Mary Frances in the tub, Ward 81, Salem, Oregon, 1976;Jail, Houston, Texas, 1977;Husband and wife, Harland County, Kentucky, 1971;Jesse Damm, Llano, California, 1994;Hurstie Laxton after the flood, St. Louis, Missouri, 1993;Million Youth March, New York City, 1998;Lakiesha, South Dallas, Texas, 1988;Clinton Albright and his father, Santa Clarita, California, 1982;Nightclub off of Highway 61, Michigan, 1991;Vashira and Tashira Hargrove, twins, H.E.L.P. Shelter, Suffolk, New York, 1993; and Tiny, pregnant, Seattle, Washington, 1985.After you see these photographs, you will probably agree with Ms. Mark that she has been on "a long and blessed journey" that has opened her heart and ours. Seeing these photographs should encourage you to become acquainted with people you see who yo

I was fortunate enough to see the exhibition of these photographs at the International Center of Photography a few days ago. If you can, go to see the show before it closes. If you can't, buy this book and get a glimpse at the power of a photograph.Though no expert, I enjoy the art of photography. I am particularly interested in portraits of real people. Mary Ellen Mark has the ability to capture people with extra-ordinary depth and feeling. Almost without fail, her images are moving. With a skill beyond the normal artist, however, her images have the ability to be thought-provoking.Consider a photo labelled "Aryan Nations, Hayden Lake, Idaho, 1986." Three pleasant-looking, smiling women--the cherubic face of the woman on the far right particularly draws the eye--set in counterpoint to their white supremacist garb. Or consider the series of photographs of Tiny who has clearly experienced many things in her life but who face, amazingly, holds the same soul in each image. Or consider the contrast between the photographs of Julie d'Aquili and Cynthia Galves despite their similar poses. Julie is a healthy young woman but her somber expression stands out starkly against the cancer-ridden Cynthia who still manages a smile.I believe that I could write something about every single photograph in this collection. Let me instead just say that these photographs will grip you and hold your attention for hours. You will come back to them again and again. And, unlike reproductions of paintings in a book, photographs do not suffer from the process nearly as much. I would encourage anyone with an interest in photography to take a look at this book.

This book contains some unforgettable photographs. However,in my mind, one stands out above all the others. Jesse Damm; a white boy about ten years old is depicted in profile wearing a torn sweat shirt. His head is shaved and not even his eyebrows are visible. His face has several small scabs or perhaps it is dirt and he does not look well. In deed what he looks like is something out of a horror film. What is so remarkable about this shot is that it fills me with the strongest urge to gather the child up into my arms and take care of him. Remarkable because I've never wanted anything to do with poor or sick people and untill now the only children capable of stirring my emotions have been the attractive ones. This photo made me wonder if perhaps I've discovered something new in myself.