Story lines

by Robert Frank

Robert Frank is one of the most influential of all post-war photographers. Pioneering a revolutionary approach to photography and filmmaking, he combines autobiographical and poetic elements to produce straight black-and-white images that transcend the specific. Speaking of universal experience, Frank has said, "I'm trying to forget easy photo, trying to make something from within." He adds, "Time moves on and never stops or waits." Often involving a progression through a series of images, his work is structured like a musical sequence, creating storylines that resonate beyond the frozen moment of any single photograph. Storylines accompanies an exhibition highlighting Frank's experimental use of narrative in photography and film. The exhibition consists of his films and photographs, including Polaroids, contact sheets and recent digital stills. Photographs from locations as diverse as Peru, London, Wales, Coney Island and Chicago, appear along with several artist's books.