Consuelo Kanaga Retrospective at Brooklyn Museum Reclaims Underappreciated Photographer's Legacy

On view until August 3, 2025, the Brooklyn Museum showcases 'Consuelo Kanaga: Catch the Spirit,' a comprehensive retrospective of the American photographer's oeuvre. Curated by Drew Sawyer, this exhibition comprises 180 photographs that chronicle Kanaga's artistic journey beginning in 1915. Born in 1894, she remained active until her passing in 1976, capturing critical social themes such as urban poverty and racial inequality. Kanaga started her career at the San Francisco Chronicle in 1915 before relocating to New York in 1922, where she became affiliated with Group f/64. Her renowned work, 'She is a Tree of Life to Them' (1950), reflects her distinctive vision. Organized in collaboration with Fundación MAPFRE and SFMOMA, the exhibition underscores her enduring significance alongside peers like Dorothea Lange.