ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Lee Friedlander's Modernist Turn in 1960s American Photography

publication · 2026-04-24

A 1987 article in artpress examines Lee Friedlander's role in the renewal of American photography during the 1960s. The decade saw a generational shift that brought forward original photographers who drew on the full legacy of the 1920s-1930s. Friedlander's work exemplifies a demand for modernity, building on historical foundations while forging a new path. The article, published in the May 1987 issue of artpress, reflects on how Friedlander and his peers transformed the medium.

Key facts

  • Lee Friedlander was a key figure in 1960s American photography.
  • The 1960s marked a deep renewal in American photography.
  • A generational shift brought forward original photographers.
  • These photographers benefited from the accumulated heritage of the 1920s-1930s.
  • The article was published in artpress in May 1987.
  • The article's title is 'Lee Friedlander : une exigence de modernité'.
  • Friedlander's work is characterized by a demand for modernity.
  • The article discusses Friedlander's place in the broader history of photography.

Entities

Artists

  • Lee Friedlander

Institutions

  • artpress

Sources