Art for social change: introducing the photography of Gordon Parks
An introduction to the photography of Gordon Parks and its significant impact on social justice in the United States. We’ll develop Parks’s biography before looking at some of his famous photo-essays for Life and Ebony Magazines in the 1940s and 50s.
Choose a starting date
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
- Start Date: 03 Jun 2025End Date: 03 Jun 2025Tue (Daytime): 12:45 - 13:45In PersonFull fee £10.00 Senior fee £10.00 Concession £7.00
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
This 1-hour session is part of the day on racism and racial justice on 3 June 2025.
Gordon Parks was the first Black person hired as a staff photographer for Life Magazine. Although he was also a successful fashion and fine art photographer, his work as a photojournalist was focused on documenting the systemic racism at the core of 20th century America. As one of the most successful artists of his era, Parks brought attention to segregation, poverty and inequalities in education through his skilful storytelling and ‘artistic eye'.
After an introduction to his biography, we’ll look at his influential photo-essays: ‘Harlem Gang Leader’ (1948) ‘Problem Kids’ New Harlem clinic rescues ghetto youth from emotional short circuit’ (1947) ‘The Restraints: Open and Hidden’ (1956). We’ll discuss how Parks’s photography, in no small part, helped to shape social justice in the U.S.
What will we cover?
- Gordon Parks’s biography
- Key photo-essays that influenced change in America’s perception of systemic racism
- The artist as witness to history
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Discuss the importance of Gordon Parks’s impact on social justice in the United States
- Understand how photojournalism is a useful tool in social justice movements
- Reflect on the value of both art and journalism in a time of great social change
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This session is suitable both for newcomers to the subject and for those who have some background knowledge. You will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course.
Given the sensitive nature of the topics the session will explore, we also expect everyone to engage group and class discussions with respect and the willingness to learn from others.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be taught with lecture and powerpoint slides. This is primarily a lecture and does not contain an active discussion. However, there will be time for a Q&A at the end of the session.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There are no additional costs, but you may wish to bring pen and paper or a digital equivalent for notetaking.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
.
Sarah Jaffray holds a BA and MA in Art History with an emphasis in 19th/20th century France and a minor in the Italian Renaissance. She holds a second MA in Cultural Theory from Goldsmiths, University of London. Sarah was a lecturer for several colleges and universities in the Los Angeles area before relocating to London in 2012. She has worked in curatorial roles at the British Museum and Wellcome Collection. In addition to her current teaching at City Lit, Sarah is a lecturer at the University of Arts London and the Tutor Coordinator for City Lit's Art History programme. Her art historical practice focuses on experimental narratives, artistic process, art pedagogy, politics and philosophy. Sarah's current research is focused on translation and empathy.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
-
Iconography and iconology: secrets of the old masters revealedFull fee £179.00 Senior fee £143.00 Concession £116.00
