Annie Leibovitz's American Pilgrimage
In a new book and exhibition, the esteemed photographer pursues a passion for history and lets us see familiar icons in a fresh light
- By Terence Monmaney
- Smithsonian magazine, January 2012
(© Annie Leibovitz / Contact Press Images from the book Pilgrimage, Random House, 2011 © Annie Leibovitz)
“How wonderful to uncover the reasons you like a place,” Annie Leibovitz said while signing copies of Pilgrimage, a new book of photographs that’s the basis of a traveling exhibition opening January 20 at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Among the 300 or so fans jammed into the bookstore, those who expected Leibovitz to play the haughty diva—it was she who photographed nude, pregnant Demi Moore for Vanity Fair—were disappointed. Leibovitz chatted with fans, she posed for cellphone snapshots, she cried when she read aloud from Pilgrimage about Marian Anderson, the celebrated African-American singer who performed at the Lincoln Memorial in 1939 after the Daughters of the American Revolution banned her from their hall. There are 122 images in the fastidiously printed book, most made at historic U.S. sites. Emerson’s library. Lincoln’s top hat (in the Smithsonian). Niagara Falls. Some are landscapes, but all are, in spirit, still lifes—unpeopled, rather solemn, considered. Leibovitz’s trips to those places over two years served as a welcome change of focus in a hectic life beset by financial troubles, an “exercise in renewal,” she calls it. “Looking at history provided a way of going forward.”
Graceland, Elvis Presley’s home in Memphis, has been kept largely as it was when he lived there, from 1957 until his death in 1977. Dining room mirrors reflect a stairway to the private quarters.
(Buy a signed copy of American Pilgrimage at SmithsonianStore.com)
Comments (12)
The photos are straight forward and technically almost perfect and without flaw. The medium captures the subject for what it is, without judgement. I thing that is where Leibovitz excels. "Passion" in a photograph often uses a special effect of gimmick. There is nothing of this in her work. I feel like I can see the subject as it stands on its own merit. In this world of gimmicks and sensationalism, I find the honesty in these photos refreshing.
Posted by Kris Linton on February 9,2012 | 12:56 AM
The comments of the photographs being uninteresting can be true, but Annie Leibovitz must have found the textures intriguing.
Posted by Maurice Weiner on February 3,2012 | 08:39 PM
She is what others have made her. While some of her past images are thought provoking I can’t say she possesses the passion of a say a Gene Smith, nor the eye of a Bill Brandt nor the range of Arnold Newman. This collection of images by Annie Liebovitz looks a bit like a tourist’s capture while visiting the locations on vacation meant more for the family album than a published work. But hey, she’s a legend, just ask those folks who publicize her. BJ Weiss
Posted by Bruce Weiss on February 3,2012 | 03:48 PM
A Note of PROTEST: Smithsonian--please at least respond to Leibovitz's claim regarding Marian Anderson who was, "banned" from performing on their premises. Though sensational, the facts are in error. Ms. Anderson could not perform at the hall, not because she was black, but because the hall was already booked with another performance. This rumor still persists to this day. Disappointing!
Posted by Margie Anne Bonnett on January 29,2012 | 07:01 PM
I'm not really that impressed with the photos. I guess because she is Annie Liebovitz they are great. I think 90% of being a great artist is being recognized as such and the remaining 10% is the artists work. Genius is in the eye of the beholder and if you can get the right people to believe it, then it is true.
Posted by Raja on January 24,2012 | 09:00 PM
My husband Joseph and I are members. I enjoy shopping on your web site for special gifts. During the 53 years we've been married we have visited the Smithsonian three times. My husband is now handicapped and travel has become difficult. That's why your website keeps us close to our nation's history, the men and women whose actions have affected our nations growth in history and the arts. Thank you
Posted by Josephine Kwasek on January 24,2012 | 07:33 PM
Disappointing. I found these images to be boring and dull. Best way I can describe is, to me, these are pictures, not photographs? I suppose you are paying for the name. I see no passion or creativity in this work? Very plain.
Posted by Ron Boyle on January 15,2012 | 03:36 PM
This is a very interesting collection of beautiful still lifes. I particularly like the Signature Earthwork and the Power of Place, though there is something special in each one.
Posted by Kathy on January 7,2012 | 01:25 PM
The shade of green at the fall's edge reminds me of the light green glass once popular in architecture (late 1940's - early 1950's?)
Posted by Shir-El on January 7,2012 | 07:52 AM
Anne Oakley also advocated women's use of guns for self protection and gave lectures, demonstrations and classes to women throughout the US, encouraging the founding of women's gun clubs.
Posted by Shir-El on January 7,2012 | 07:43 AM
Pilgrimage took Annie Leibovitz to places that she could explore with no agenda.
Posted by link building on January 4,2012 | 05:19 AM
Little Sure Shot is buried in Star, Ohio on State Highway 127. On your way through, it is worth stopping to see the grave marker.
Posted by Seibertmj on December 27,2011 | 03:27 PM