Essay: Much of Gordon Parks’ work focuses on the harsh socio-economic conditions and harsh treatments of blacks during the late 1940s and 50s. His work displays families in poor disparate housing ghettos as well as the everyday life and struggles of blacks living within various cities of New York. By showcasing this, Gordon was able to communicate to anyone viewing his photos the unjust realities of racism in America.

He was also able to portray black people with a sense of dignity and humanity that was often overlooked in mainstream media at the time. Parks’ work was a great example of the idea that art can offer us great opportunities to go deeper into life’s realities while also illuminating areas of society that need improvement.

Parks also shot fashion photography for popular magazines like Vogue. His fashion photography showcased the beauty and elegance of the fashion world. His work also elevated the dresses that he photographed– turning simple clothing into exhilarating examples of American craftsmanship.

Parks’ work is incredibly inspirational and can teach design students and art students a lot about the overall purpose of art. His work shows us that art can be used to make a difference in society by reflecting society’s ills and reminding society of its triumphs. By acting as a mirror for society, Parks’ art helped to give racism a face; a face of struggling families who often were able to find small ways to still enjoy life even through their hardships.

Parks can also inspire design students, including myself, through his sheer prolific career. Moving from editorial fashion, to political activism, to taking photos of icons– Parks’ career spanned decades’ worth of incredible accomplishments. His humble beginnings are a testament to what hard work and perseverance can do for a person’s life and career even when their resources are low or non-existent.