Did you know Frederick Douglass was the most photographed man in 19th-century America? The abolitionist, who obtained freedom from chattel slavery in 1838, became one of the most important orators, writers, and statespersons of the 19th century. Douglass understood that portraiture could challenge racist tropes and advance the freedom and civil rights of Black Americans and subjugated people around the world. Sir Isaac Julien’s ten-screen installation “Lessons of the Hour,” on view now at MoMA, presents a nonlinear narrative of Douglass’s life and work. The exhibition at MoMA brings together historical items that informed Julien’s film, including photographic portraits of Douglass as well as his speeches, literary works, and personal correspondence. Read an interview between the artist and exhibition curator on #MoMAMagazine → mo.ma/45ttKeU — [1] Southworth and Hawes. “Frederick Douglass.” c. 1845. Onondaga Historical Association, Syracuse, NY [2] Installation view of “Isaac Julien: Lessons of the Hour.” Photo: Emile Askey
Anja Smid
3w
What a valuable exhibit 💫 Great that a well-known museum like yourselves chooses an important social theme, especially in these times. I just bought the book "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave". Since I live in Europe and cannot visit the exhibit now, you are triggering me to learn more about this great man 💕
Sabine Hahn
4w
Interesting! Didn't know.
Thanks for sharing-so interesting. Will try to catch the exhibit.
Yes! See the book by historian John Stauffer et al., "Picturing Frederick Douglass: the Illustrated Biography of the Nineteenth-Century's Most Photographed American."
Interesting!!!
Travel Curator at Beautiful Histories
2wI did not! But he was a worthy person to have that distinction.