Ruth Orkin: A new discovery in 20th century photography.

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From March 17 to July 16, 2023, the Royal Museums of Turin will host the largest anthological exhibition ever organized in Italy of Ruth Orkin, one of the most outstanding American photojournalist, photographer and filmmaker of the 20th century.

The Palazzo Chiablese at the Royal Museums of Turin will host from March 17 to July 16, 2023 the exhibition “RUTH ORKIN. A New Discovery,” the largest anthological exhibition ever organized in Italy dedicated to American photographer, photojournalist and filmmaker Ruth Orkin.

The exhibition, curated by Anne Morin under the patronage of the City of Turin, presents 156 original photographs tracing her career. Among the works on display are some famous shots such as “American Girl in Italy” and portraits of personalities such as Robert Capa, Albert Einstein, Marlon Brando, Orson Welles, Lauren Bacall, Vittorio De Sica and Woody Allen. The curatorship approaches Ruth Orkin’s work from a completely new perspective, highlighting the intersection of the still image and the moving image. Ruth Orkin, fascinated by cinema, dreamed of becoming a filmmaker. The film world of the time was dominated by men, so she chose another way, another powerful mean to express herself.

Ruth Orkin chooses photography as her medium of expression, but without ever neglecting her love of film.

The Ruth Orkin exhibition aims to present her work and bring attention to an artist who has not received the recognition she deserves. The images on display explore how Orkin used photography to create images that evoke cinema. Far from the concept of dynamism and frenzy of other technical greats, they are incomplete actions, moments in the making. They leave us to imagine a continuity, like still photos. The collection features some of his most iconic works, such as “American Girl in Italy.” This photo depicts a young American woman walking through the streets of Florence while being admired by a group of Italian men.

The exhibition also includes lesser-known works that show Orkin’s talent for capturing everyday life through her lens.

The vivid and wide-ranging exhibition offers an in-depth look at Ruth Orkin’s career and her contribution to the world of photography. Selected works highlight her unique vision and ability to capture the essence of life through her images.

The influence of cinema in her work is evident. This review explores it and observes it converging between the still and moving image.

Ruth Orkin used photography to create still images of a film that was never shot.

The exhibition also features interesting shots, such as those of events taking place on the street, taken from above a window. A curious eye on the world and on the very concept of vision, of stolen and spontaneous gazing, and of photography.

Ruth Orkin was born in Boston in 1921 and died in New York City in 1985. She is considered one of the most important American photographers of the 20th century and developed a unique style that combined her passion for film with the power of still images. She worked for major magazines such as Life and Look.

Orkin had to overcome the challenges of a malecentric profession to be taken seriously and establish herself as a professional photographer, becoming a successful practitioner. Her ability to capture the essence of life through images and her determination to overcome gender barriers have made Ruth Orkin an important figure in the history of photography.

Ruth Orkin’s official photo archive can be found at this page.