Artists as Icons
The undisputed star of The Jewish Museum’s exhibition Modern Look: Photography and the American Magazine, a discursive look at the influence of emigres and outsiders on the commercial design and graphics world of the 30s-50's, is Helen Frankenthaler in this vibrant image by Gordon Parks. Though images of beautiful Vogue models and actors like Gloria Swanson and Marlene Dietrich are also displayed, it is Frankenthaler amidst her canvases who steals the show. Frankenthaler will also be part of a new series for Amazon based on the wonderful history Ninth Street Women by Mary Gabriel shepherded by lauded show-runner Amy Sherman-Palladino. Who said artists couldn't also be icons?