Gordon Parks: The Power of Photography at the Polasek

Posted on by The Wandering Art Historian

I had the pleasure of viewing an incredibly moving exhibition at the Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Garden in Winter Park, FL and I will begin by saying that I can’t recommend it enough – go see Gordon Parks: The Power of Photography!

I am so proud of the work that our Central Florida arts organizations do to not only help educate the public in art historical discourse, but to also inspire empathy and reinforce our shared humanity because that is exactly what this exhibition does. The title of this exhibition is accurate… there is power in photography and Gordon Parks’ images will transform you.

While some of his photographs might fall into the photojournalism category, the truly artistic composition of said images elevates the scenes beyond “slice of life” depictions. Yes, because of Parks’ work we have a historical visual record of African American life in Daytona Beach, FL in the 1940’s. But his photographs have something more; there is a spark, a current of emotion that permeates the work and captivates the viewer.

My favorite images were Parks’ portraits which rival any Baroque painting by Caravaggio or the like. I really felt the influence of the divine when taking in these works. His exceptional handling of natural light never detracts from the subject and transforms each figure into something holy and sacred.

Thoughtful and informative curation is evident in all the labels and didactics. The inclusion of a simulated dark room and examples of the cameras Gordon Parks used enhances the viewer experience.

Gordon Parks: The Power of Photography is on view at the Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Garden now through August 18th.

For more on this exhibition, please visit…

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I am writer and artist with a degree in art history who loves to talk to people about art. I have spent the last seven years building up The Wandering Art Historian “brand” as a way to connect with people who want to learn more about art. I give lectures and presentations and teach classes and host book club discussions with a creative or artistic connection. I also write about local artists, events, museums, and exhibitions to promote the arts in Central Florida. In 2021, I had a creative crisis. I struggled with authenticity in the art making process. I decided to make myself vulnerable and find out what a real, genuine Adrienne H. Lee artwork would look like. The process was challenging and emotional and revelatory. I learned that if necessity is the mother of invention, then authenticity is the mother of reinvention. I reinvented myself and learned an entirely new medium. The resulting artwork surprised me, and it will surprise you, too. Some people wish for a fairytale ending. For me, the fairy tale is only the beginning.