Friedlander, Lee [key], 1934–, American photographer, b. Aberdeen, Wash. Influenced by Walker Evans and Robert Frank, Friedlander is known for dense and often visually witty black-and-white streetscape views of the American scene. Characteristically filled with shadows or reflections, they frequently reveal the alienation and complexity of modern life. Later series of photographs, which have been published in a number of volumes, have explored letters and numbers, monuments, the landscape, self-portraits, the female nude, and such contemporary workers as telemarketers. Recent work also emphasizes seemingly casual shots of his family and friends. In 2001 a large collection of his prints were purchased by the Museum of Modern Art, New York, and the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
See his Lee Friedlander: Self Portrait (1970, rev. ed. 2005); study by P. Galassi (2005).
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