Margaret Bourke-White
1904–1971 · United States
Industry and a world in upheaval.
The story
Bourke-White became known for industrial photography before becoming a major figure in published reportage. She worked for Fortune and Life, travelled, and covered economic crises and war. Her eye often combined monumental scale with human presence. Her career shows the role of magazines in shaping photojournalism: photographs take their place in stories, commissions and page layouts that influence how they are received.
Understanding the work
Compare the graphic emphasis on machines with the space given to people. A powerful image can express both a fascination with industry and a social reading of its effects.
Key works and series
Industry; Fort Peck Dam; reportage for Fortune and Life.
Sources & further exploration
Works in collections.
10 recordsPhotographs to explore on museum and library websites, with titles, dates and processes. Each link opens the collection record and its image where one is available.
