"Sudden Impact: Photography on the Printed Page"
It's easy to forget these days, in our now internet driven society, but many of the iconic photos of the 20th century were first seen in large-format illustrated magazines by mass audiences. Photography's "power to shock, surprise, and delight" in print is on view with the "Sudden Impact: Photography on the Printed Page" exhibition at the International Center of Photography Mana Contemporary Gallery in Jersey City, New Jersey. The show, which runs through April 8, 2016, highlights 35 striking international magazine covers and photo spreads from the 1920s to 40s that combined both graphic imagery and compelling design.
The exhibition provides important historical context for how photography has impacted our visual culture and showcases the work of well-known photographers, including André Kertész, Robert Capa, Margaret Bourke-White.
This images shows arbeiter Illustrierte Zeitung, August 10, 1933, with a cover photomontage by John Heartfield.
Photography on the Printed Page
Berliner Illustrirte Zeitung, July 21, 1929, cover photograph by Martin Munkasci.
Publications, printed on inexpensive paper and seldom preserved, such as Life, Picture Post, Vu, Regards, Estampa, and Berliner Illustrirte Zeitung have been preserved by the museum giving viewers a window on the era.
Photography on the Printed Page
Estampa, Feb. 13, 1937, cover photograph by Mayo.
The illustrations in the exhibition were selected from the International Center of Photography's vast collection of more than 2,000 historic magazines, newspapers and posters from the 20th century.
Photography on the Printed Page
Kölnische Illustrierte Zeitung, Mar. 9, 1929, cover.
Photography on the Printed Page
Picture Post, January 21, 1939, pp. 20-21, photograph by Brassaï.
Photography on the Printed Page
Regards, Dec. 31, 1936, back cover photography by Brassaï.
Photography on the Printed Page
Regards, November 1933, cover photomontage not credited.
Photography on the Printed Page
USSR in Construction, March 1932, photos not credited.
Photography on the Printed Page
Vu, Feb. 18, 1931, cover photograph by Martin Munkacsi.
Photography on the Printed Page
Vu, Apr. 1, 1931, cover photograph by James Abbe.
Photography on the Printed Page
Vu, July 20, 1932, cover.
Photography on the Printed Page
Vu, April 5, 1933, pp. 504-505, photography by André Kertész.