There are countless anthems about America—from Miley Cyrus’ Party in the U.S.A. to Donald Glover’s This is America and David Bowie’s iconic This is Not America. These songs capture a feeling, an essence, and just as music speaks to us, so too does the visual portrayal of America. The Rijksmuseum’s exhibition on American photography, the first of its kind in Europe, takes us on a captivating journey spanning over three centuries of American life. Through the lens of American photographers, the exhibit delves into personal moments, candid snapshots, and a multifaceted portrait of the nation.
Upon entering the first spacious room, visitors are greeted by a remarkable piece: a small, intricately woven box made from cigarette packs, displayed in a larger transparent box. This artwork contains portraits of housemates bound together with artistically designed mouse traps.
The Evolution of American Photography
From the monochrome images of the past to later explorations of colour and modernist perspectives, the exhibition traces the evolution of photography in the U.S. Featuring works by pioneering photographers like Robert Frank, Nan Goldin, and Diane Arbus, alongside new influential visual storytellers such as Amanda López, the exhibition highlights the diverse narrative American photographers have crafted over time.
One of the standout pieces for me is a black-and-white photograph by Irene Poon, a Chinese-American photographer, taken in 1965. It shows her sister Virginia in her sweet shop in San Francisco’s Chinatown. Poon’s work, spanning decades, documents the ever-changing face of Chinatown. She beautifully captures the richness of daily life and the subtle nuances of cultural identity, as seen in this intimate portrait.
Snapshot Moments
Capturing the perfect photograph in the past required deliberate effort. Expensive equipment, intricate processes, and limited frames on film rolls meant that every shot was an intentional choice. Today, with digital and phone cameras, we have more freedom to take countless photos and refine them instantly. While the tools and process have evolved, the essence of capturing meaningful moments remains unchanged.
For those who love photography, or are interested in visual storytelling, like me, this Rijksmuseum exhibit is a must-see.
‘American Photography’ at the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, is on view until 9 June 2025.
For more details, visit www.rijksmuseum.nl.
All images, courtesy of the Rijksmuseum and the photographers.
