Hoover Dam, Nevada 1955

This photograph, taken by Robert Frank in Nevada, presents a roadside postcard stand selling images of the Hoover Dam and other regional attractions. Frank was renowned for using photography to document his travels and explorations, particularly his experience of the American social landscape. He used a Leica camera, a relatively small and portable machine, which allowed him to capture spontaneous, street-level scenes. This particular photograph reflects Frank's interest in the commodification of national landmarks. By documenting the display of postcards for sale, Frank turns the Hoover Dam into a product of mass consumption. The image subtly questions the way national icons are packaged and sold to tourists. Frank’s work serves as a reminder that understanding the materials, context, and modes of production of any given image can lead to a deeper appreciation of its social and cultural meaning, while challenging conventional distinctions between fine art and everyday life.