In the American West by Richard Avedon | VCP Book of the Week

Book of the Week | Episode 32: In the American West by Richard Avedon In the American West is a landmark 1985 photography book by Richard Avedon, featuring 103 black-and-white portraits of ordinary people from the American West, commissioned by the Amon Carter Museum. Avedon spent five years (1979-1984) traveling across 17 states, photographing subjects like ranch workers, drifters, and gamblers against a stark white backdrop, applying his high-fashion style to everyday life. The book, which includes an essay by Avedon and a journal by his assistant Laura Wilson, is celebrated for its powerful portraiture but also sparked debate over its portrayal of the region and its subjects. ------ ✨ Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss future episodes of Book of the Week! About the Vermont Center for Photography The Vermont Center for Photography (VCP) is a nonprofit organization based in Brattleboro, Vermont, dedicated to promoting the photographic arts through exhibitions, education, and community engagement. We offer: Rotating exhibitions featuring regional, national, and international artists A publicly accessible library of 1,600+ photography books A black-and-white darkroom and digital lab open to the public Educational programs, workshops, and private tutorials for all skill levels PhotoThrift, our one-of-a-kind thrift store for vintage camera gear Focus Forward, a program offering free photo classes for individuals in addiction recovery Our mission is to foster dialogue, encourage inquiry, and create a welcoming community where people can explore and celebrate the power of photography. 📸 Learn more, become a member, or support our work: https://vcphoto.org