Legendary Danish photographer Jacob Holdt shares his compelling journey through America, marked by his deep compassion and empathy for the marginalized communities he encountered and captured with his camera. Holdt’s method of love resulted in his seminal photographic work ‘American Pictures’.
Holdt’s perspective on America’s social dynamics is shaped by his personal encounters with individuals from different walks of life. His photographic work offers a glimpse into the lives of people often overlooked by society, capturing their struggles and resilience. As he recalls, “The minute I came to America, I fell in love with the country.” Despite facing challenges and hostility, Holdt was driven by his curiosity and desire to understand the source of anger and pain he observed in the streets.
The interview reveals Holdt’s unwavering commitment to saying “yes” to every opportunity, embracing the vagabond lifestyle, and consistently opening his heart to others and vice versa. He states, “a vagabond is one who consistently says yes if somebody picks you up.” This openness allowed him to connect deeply with people, often forming lasting bonds that provided him with remarkable insights into the complexities of their lives.
Jacob Holdt’s work goes beyond photography; it serves as a conduit for sharing the realities of social and economic disparities. His dedication to portraying the human condition is evident in his reflections: “America is much more than the one I show.” His nuanced perspective challenges audiences to confront uncomfortable truths and reconsider their preconceived notions.
Jacob Holdt, born in 1947 in Copenhagen, Denmark. Holdt’s journey began with his involvement in anti-war activism and hitchhiking across the United States. His seminal work, “American Pictures,” became a critical success, shedding light on the struggles of the underprivileged in America. Holdt’s work has been exhibited internationally, (including the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, ARoS Museum of Modern Art, Musee Niepce and The United States Congress), earning him recognition for his impactful contributions to the world of photography and social commentary. Learn more through Jacob Holdt’s homepage http://www.american-pictures.com/english/
Jacob Holdt was interviewed by Christian Lund at the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in January 2022.
Camera: Rasmus Quistgaard & Johan von Bülow
Edit: Johan von Bülow
Produced by Christian Lund
0:00 The Beaty of Failure
01:41 The Rule of the Vagabond
04:58 “We Don’t Want You”
09:03 Moving Into the Shack
12:30 Selling Blood to Afford Film
15:42 Saying Yes to Exploitation
20:05 Photographing intimacy
22:40 Relating to Black Women
26:25 The Gap Between Rich and Poor
30:00 Poor Whites
32:24 Understanding Ku Klux Klan
41:20 Coming to America
46:05 American Pictures
52:00 Entertainment about the poor?
54:49 Acts of Love
Copyright: Louisiana Channel, Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, 2024
Louisiana Channel is supported by Den A.P. Møllerske Støttefond, Ny Carlsbergfondet, C.L. Davids Fond og Samling, and Fritz Hansen.
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