Frank's 1958 masterpiece, The Americans should be required viewing for everyone in this country. Frank was inspired by his mentor (and fellow photographer genius) Walker Evans and received a grant for the project. The photographs, culled from over 28,000 taken over a long road trip across the country are bleak, raw, sad and beautiful. His work has been viewed as critical and voyeuristic yet personal and compassionate. The initial publication was very upsetting to many Americans with its off kilter and depressing image of their dream. Today, the man has become reclusive after the death of his daughter and the mental illness of his son, from time to time he accepts assignments but he has remained a revered and inspirational icon.
But what do you think?