Lee Friedlander

Born in Aberdeen, Washington on July 14, 1934, Lee Friedlander is one of the most influential American photographers and artists of the 20^th century. He is widely known for photographing the “social landscape.” He first became interested in photography in 1948 and studied under Edward Kaminski at the Art Center of Los Angeles from 1953 to 1955. In 1956 he moved to New York and supported himself by photographing jazz musicians for record covers. His early work is famous for his self portraits and for his cultural statements, such as his photographs of the influence of television, in addition to his portraits of jazz musicians. Due to his intense arthritis, he spent a lot of time in his home and, therefore, photographed what was around him.  Before having his knee joints replaced, he published a photography collection called “Stems,” claiming that his limbs reminded him of stems. These photographs depict a focus upon texture, which was not a characteristic of his later work. His later photographs consist of detached images of urban life, which captured the depressing feel and appearance of modern society. These photographs of shop-windows, posters, and signs all involve reflections and are his most famous images.