Lee Friedlander is an American photographer known for his innovative and often unconventional approach to street photography. His work captures the essence of American life, blending elements of urban landscapes, reflections, self-portraits, and everyday scenes.
Friedlander was born in Aberdeen, Washington. He developed an interest in photography at an early age and studied at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. After moving to New York City in the 1950s, he worked as a freelance photographer, shooting album covers for jazz musicians while developing his own artistic style.
Friedlander’s photography is characterized by complex compositions that include reflections, shadows, and frames within frames. He often placed himself in his images, creating self-portraits that challenge traditional notions of perspective. His work reflects the influence of 20th-century documentary photographers like Walker Evans and Robert Frank, but he introduced a more personal, fragmented approach.
In the 1960s, Friedlander gained recognition as part of the "New Documents" exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in 1967, curated by John Szarkowski. This show, which also featured Diane Arbus and Garry Winogrand, redefined documentary photography by emphasizing the photographer's subjective vision.
Over the decades, Friedlander has published numerous photobooks and has exhibited internationally. His contributions to photography have been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the MacArthur Fellowship (1990) and the Hasselblad Award (2005).
Friedlander’s work has had a profound impact on contemporary photography. His ability to find beauty and complexity in mundane settings continues to inspire generations of photographers. By challenging traditional compositions and perspectives, he redefined street photography and documentary storytelling, leaving a lasting imprint on the medium.