For an intense decade between 1935 and 1946, Weegee (1899 – 1968) was one of the most relentlessly inventive figures in American photography. His graphically dramatic and often lurid photographs of New York crimes and news events set the standard for what has become known as tabloid journalism. Freelancing for a variety of New York newspapers and photo agencies, and later working as a stringer for the short-lived liberal daily PM (194048), Weegee established a way of combining photographs and texts that was distinctly different from that promoted by other picture magazines, such as LIFE. Utilizing other distribution venues, Weegee also wrote extensively (including his autobiographical Naked City, published in 1945) and organized his own exhibitions at the Photo League. This exhibition draws upon the extensive Weegee Archive at ICP and includes environmental recreations of Weegee's apartment and exhibitions. The exhibition was organized by ICP Chief Curator Brian Wallis. It was on view at ICP May 18–September 2, 2012.
Past Tour Venues
Fotomuseum | Antwerp, Belgium
October 19, 2012–January 27, 2013
Fondazione Palazzo Magnani | Reggio Emilia, Italy
May 2–July 28, 2013
Ryerson Image Centre (Ryerson University) | Toronto, Canada
October 14–December 13, 2015
