Gordon Parks The New Tide Early Work 1940-1950

A black-and-white photograph of a middle-aged Black woman wearing a housedress, an American flag hanging behind her, and an upturned broom and mop in front of her.
August 31–December 29, 2019
Second floor

“A guy who takes a chance, who walks the line between the known and unknown, who is unafraid of failure, will succeed.”

Gordon Parks

Gordon Parks was part of what author Richard Wright called “the new tide” of African Americans who were pressing for respect and racial equality in the 1940s. Organized by the National Gallery of Art, Washington, in collaboration with The Gordon Parks Foundation, Gordon Parks: The New Tide, Early Work 1940–1950 explores the early years of Parks’ career as an influential photographer who captured the essence of the civil rights movement in addition to breaking barriers for African Americans.

From his fashion photographs to his thoughtful depictions of American life, Parks used the camera as his tool for proclaiming the value of an American community built on freedom and equality. This exhibition offers an expansive and intimate look at how this pioneering artist became one of the most influential photographers of his day.

Learn more on a tour!

Free, guided tours available Thursdays through Sundays.

Gordon Parks

Washington, D.C. Government charwoman, July 1942

gelatin silver print

A black-and-white photograph of a middle-aged Black woman wearing a housedress, an American flag hanging behind her, and an upturned broom and mop in front of her.

Gordon Parks

Washington (southwest section), D.C. Negro woman in her bedroom, November 1942

gelatin silver print

A black-and-white photograph of a Black woman seated on a bed reflected in a round mirror above a vanity.

Gordon Parks

Untitled, Harlem, New York, 1947

gelatin silver print

A black-and-white photograph of a Black child seated at a desk as someone out of the frame holds out two baby dolls - one White and one Black - and the child reaches toward the White one.

Gordon Parks

Self-Portrait, 1941

gelatin silver print

A black-and-white photograph of a Black man with a mustache holding a large camera on his right shoulder.

Gordon Parks

Pittsburgh, Pa. The cooper's plant at the Penola, Inc. grease plant, where large drums and containers are reconditioned

gelatin silver print

A black-and-white photograph of a Black man wearing a long apron holding a large barrel that is suspended by a piece of machinery.

Gordon Parks

Paris Fashions, 1949

gelatin silver print

A black-and-white photograph of a light-skinned woman wearing a derby-style hat, long black suit, smoking a cigarette, and holding an umbrella as she stands on a sidewalk.

Gordon Parks

Marva Trotter Louis, Chicago, Illinois, 1941

gelatin silver print

A black-and-white photograph of a Black woman wearing a pillbox hat with a net veil and a dress with a floral pattern, one gloved hand on her hip, leaning against a wall.

Gordon Parks

Lt. George Knox. 332nd Fighter Group Training, October 1943

Gelatin silver print

A black-and-white photograph of a Black man wearing a pilot uniform, including a helmet with goggles pushed up on his head, standing in front of an airplane.

Gordon Parks

Grain Boat taking on a load of wheat, Port Arthur, Ontario, Canada, October 1945

gelatin silver print

A black-and-white photograph of a man holding a pipe that is shooting grain onto a platform.

Gordon Parks

Charles White in front of his mural “Chaos of the American Negro”, 1941

gelatin silver print

A black-and-white photograph of a close-up of a Black man holding several paintbrushes in front a mural.

Gordon Parks

Anacostia, D.C. Frederick Douglass housing project. Mother watching her children as she prepares the evening meal, June 1942, 1942

gelatin silver print

A black-and-white photograph of a Black woman seated at a kitchen table peeling potatoes as she watches children children in the yard through a window.

Installation Photos

Click a button below to open in gallery. Activating any of the below buttons shows the installation photos gallery

Past Events

Carter Playdate: Faces

December 14, 2019, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Two people, one taking a photo with a smartphone, stand in front of an artwork.

Teen Workshop: Gordon Parks and Photography

Saturday, November 16, 2019, 1–3 p.m.
Two people, one taking a photo with a smartphone, stand in front of an artwork.

Art Mashup: Gordon Parks

October 27, 2019, 1–5 p.m.
Two people, one taking a photo with a smartphone, stand in front of an artwork.

Exhibition Talk: Gordon Parks: The New Tide, Early Work 1940–1950

October 24, 2019, 6–7:30 p.m.
Two people, one taking a photo with a smartphone, stand in front of an artwork.

Educator Workshop: Through the Lens: Documenting Community in Postwar America

October 12, 2019, 3–5 p.m.
Two people, one taking a photo with a smartphone, stand in front of an artwork.

Carter in the Community: Harambee Festival

October 5, 2019, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Children and a Carter staff member sit on a floor and make art.

Short Films Directed by Gordon Parks

September 28, 2019, 1–3 p.m.
Two people, one taking a photo with a smartphone, stand in front of an artwork.

Bookish: Between the World and Me

September 26, 2019, 6–8 p.m.
Two people, one taking a photo with a smartphone, stand in front of an artwork.

Tea & Tours

September 24, 2019, 3–4:30 p.m.
Two people, one taking a photo with a smartphone, stand in front of an artwork.
All Exhibitions
Gordon Parks: The New Tide, Early Work 1940–1950 is organized by the National Gallery of Art, Washington, in collaboration with The Gordon Parks Foundation. Bank of America is proud to be the national sponsor of the exhibition. Generous support is also provided by the Kleinheinz Family Foundation for the Arts and Education and the Ann L. & Carol Green Rhodes Charitable Trust, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee.
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