AmericaJR’s Gloria Rzucidlo was LIVE at the Detroit Institute of Arts to check out their new exhibit “The Open Road: Photography and the American Road Trip.” It is the first exhibition and book to explore the story of the American photographic road trip & one of the most distinct, important and appealing themes of the medium. Images document the evolution of American car culture, the idea of the open road and how photographers embraced America. Among the 19 photographers featured are Robert Frank (whose 1955 road trip resulted in his 1958 book The Americans), Ed Ruscha, Stephen Shore and Alec Soth.
The following photos are by Robert Frank
Trolley in New Orleans (1955)
Belle Isle – Detroit (1955)
Drive-In Movie (1955)
Covered Car in Long Beach, CA (1955)
Car accident on U.S. 66 between Winslow and Flagstaff, AZ (1955)
The following photos are by Inge Morath
Reno, NV (1960)
Hitchhikers on road from Albuquerque to Gallup, NM (1960)
