Gordon Parks Crossroads Photography Exhibit Review: Fighting With a Camera Instead of a Gun

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to view the second of only two art exhibits this year of photographer, Gordon Parks. This year marks the centennial of the birth of Gordon Parks, who was a poet, novelist, composer, musician, filmmaker, and seminal figure of 20th century photography. His work not only encompassed the grittiness of the streets and racism, the beauty of fashion and women, but also youth whose simplicity and joy in life was there regardless of surroundings. 

Parks was a humanitarian and an activist; his work often championed social justice and equality. While he is primarily known for his photography, Parks also wrote and directed several films, including Shaft and Super Fly, both major successes. His prolific professional life included playing jazz piano, composed and choreographed a ballet, published several books of poetry, and wrote a novel. This exhibition features Parks’ most famous photographs such as American Gothic, Washington D.C.,

“Crossroads,” the exhibition featuring the work of the late Gordon Parks, will be displayed in York College's Cora Miller Gallery from Oct. 4 – Nov. 14