Dawoud Bey: Capturing America – A Dynamic Group Exhibition at Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

A comprehensive examination of American photography from 1839 to the current era, categorized into nine themes including portraits, the American Dream, social issues, and early advertising photography. A blend of well-known and lesser-known photographs and photographers.

The United States is undeniably the most significant and impactful nation in contemporary photography. Photography has documented numerous developments and occurrences in America from a close perspective. The exhibition will portray America viewed through the lenses of American photographers. Given that photographers frequently reflected upon the conditions and essence of their nation and its inhabitants, they naturally delve into crucial and at times delicate topics, such as the Civil Rights Movement and Black Lives Matter. This exhibition focuses on the use of photography in America and the representation of American identity as illustrated and interpreted through images.

While American photography is widely recognized, there are numerous facets that remain less familiar. Never has there been such an extensive survey in Europe; thus, this will mark the first occasion that the European audience engages with the topic. The central theme of the exhibition will be constituted by the Rijksmuseum’s own collection, as over the past 15 years, we have obtained a considerable number of American photographs. Moreover, there will be a variety of loans from Dutch, European, and American collections, which will provide context for our own photographs.