On ship--New York to Paris 5 1949

Robert Frank created this gelatin silver print, titled "On ship--New York to Paris 5," depicting strips of photographic film. Frank, a Swiss-American photographer, is celebrated for his raw, honest style that captured the nuances of American life in the mid-20th century. Trained in the aesthetics of mid-century design at a time when Swiss design was at its peak, his work challenged the conventions of commercial photography. This piece, with its fragmented, almost diaristic presentation, reflects his break from traditional photography. The film strips, with their varied images, evoke a sense of a journey, hinting at the cultural exchange between New York and Paris. The work invites us to consider the photographer’s role in shaping narratives and challenging social norms. To fully appreciate Frank's contributions, we need to delve into the archives of photography, examining the publications, exhibitions, and critical debates that defined his era. The meaning of this work lies in its social and institutional context.